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20 Minute Timer Online

A free 20-minute countdown timer with built-in eye break reminders, following the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain.

20:00
Start your work session
How does it work?
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
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About this timer: 20 Minute Timer Online

Why 20 minutes?

The 20-20-20 rule, recommended by eye care professionals, suggests taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes of screen time to look at something 20 feet away. This timer is built around that rhythm. It's long enough for a focused work block, short enough to protect your eyes before strain sets in.

What happens when the 20 minutes are up?

The timer alerts you and automatically starts a 20-second eye break. During the break, look at something at least 20 feet away (about 6 meters — across a large room or out a window). When the break ends, your next work session starts automatically if you have auto-start enabled.

Can I use this as a regular countdown timer?

Yes. It works as a standard 20-minute timer for anything — cooking, studying, workouts, meditation. The eye break reminder is a bonus, but you can turn sounds and auto-start on or off in settings.

Is this the same as a Pomodoro timer?

Similar concept, different duration. The Pomodoro technique uses 25-minute blocks. This timer uses 20-minute blocks aligned with the 20-20-20 rule for eye health. If you prefer 25 minutes, use our 25 minute timer instead.

20
Look 20 feet away
Let your eyes rest and refocus