Pomodoro Technique Calculator
Plan your productive work sessions with 25-minute focus periods and strategic breaks
Plan Your Pomodoro Session
How long do you plan to work today?
When will you start working?
Pomodoro Settings
Quick Presets:
Schedule Summary
Session Timeline
How to Use the Pomodoro Technique
6 Basic Steps
- ๐ Write down your tasks
- โฐ Set a timer for 25 minutes
- ๐ฉโ๐ป Work focused without distractions
- โ๏ธ Put a checkmark next to completed tasks
- โ Take a short break (5 minutes)
- ๐งโโ๏ธ Take a long break after every 4 pomodoros
Pro Tips for Success
- โข Eliminate distractions: put phone away, close unnecessary tabs
- โข During breaks: stretch, hydrate, or take a short walk
- โข Don't check emails or social media during pomodoros
- โข If interrupted, consider restarting the pomodoro
- โข Track completed pomodoros to measure productivity
Productivity Tips
Start Small
Begin with 15-20 minute sessions if 25 feels too long
Break Tasks Down
Large projects work better as smaller, manageable chunks
Track Progress
Keep a log of completed pomodoros to see your productivity patterns
Respect Breaks
Breaks are essential - don't skip them even if you're "in the zone"
Great Break Activities
Make a healthy drink (tea, water, coffee)
Do light stretching or breathing exercises
Take a short walk outside
Look away from screen to rest your eyes
Tidy up your workspace
Plan your next work session
Understanding the Pomodoro Technique
The Science Behind It
The Pomodoro Technique leverages the brain's natural attention cycles. Research shows that focused attention begins to decline after 25-30 minutes, making regular breaks essential for maintaining productivity.
Why 25 Minutes?
Francesco Cirillo found 25 minutes to be the sweet spot for maintaining focus without mental fatigue. This duration is long enough for meaningful work but short enough to maintain concentration.
Break Types
- โขShort breaks (5 min): Quick mental reset between pomodoros
- โขLong breaks (15-30 min): Deeper recovery after 4 pomodoros
Benefits
- โข Improved Focus: Knowing there's an endpoint helps maintain attention
- โข Reduced Burnout: Regular breaks prevent mental exhaustion
- โข Better Time Awareness: Develops accurate time estimation skills
- โข Task Management: Encourages breaking large projects into smaller pieces
- โข Motivation: Frequent completion cycles provide regular satisfaction
Common Adaptations
- โข15-20 minutes for ADHD or concentration difficulties
- โข30-45 minutes for deep work or creative tasks
- โข90-minute cycles based on natural ultradian rhythms