Interval Timer
A free interval timer for high-intensity interval training, circuit workouts, stretching routines, and any timed activity that alternates between effort and recovery. Set your work duration, rest duration, and number of rounds, then start. The timer counts down each phase with a full-screen color fill - orange draining for work, green filling for rest - so you can see at a glance where you are in the session without squinting at digits. The prepare countdown gives you three seconds to get set before the first round begins, then the workout advances automatically from phase to phase with no taps.
What is a interval timer used for?
- ✓HIIT workouts - set work and rest durations that match your training protocol and run multiple rounds without watching a stopwatch.
- ✓Circuit training - use the interval timer to keep transitions sharp between exercises in a timed circuit.
- ✓Tabata-style training - the Tabata preset (20s work / 10s rest / 8 rounds) is pre-configured at the dedicated Tabata timer page.
- ✓Mobility and stretching routines - alternate between active stretching holds and short rest periods.
- ✓Sports drills - time on-court, on-field, or in-gym repetition drills that require equal work and rest.
- ✓Study and productivity sessions - use short work-rest intervals for focused study blocks with scheduled breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interval timer?
An interval timer alternates between a work phase (active effort) and a rest phase (recovery) for a set number of rounds. It is the standard timing tool for HIIT, Tabata, circuit training, and other interval-based training protocols.
How do I set custom work and rest durations?
Use the URL parameters: add ?work=45&rest=15&rounds=6 to the address bar to set 45-second work intervals, 15-second rest intervals, and 6 rounds. Any value you set is applied when the page loads.
Does the interval timer auto-advance between phases?
Yes. When the work countdown reaches zero the timer immediately starts the rest countdown, and vice versa. You do not need to tap anything between phases - the session runs end-to-end until the final round.
What is the prepare countdown?
The 3-second prepare phase gives you time to get into position before round 1 begins. During prepare the screen shows "GET READY" with a countdown and a preview of the first work duration.
Can I skip a phase early?
Yes. Press N on your keyboard or tap the skip button in the controls to advance immediately to the next phase.
Is there a Tabata preset?
Yes. The dedicated Tabata timer at https://easytimer.app/tabata-timer is pre-configured with Tabata protocol values: 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest, 8 rounds.
Can I pause and resume mid-session?
Yes. Press Space or tap the pause button to pause at any point. Press Space again or tap play to resume from where you stopped.
Does the interval timer work on mobile?
Yes. The timer is designed for portrait and landscape use on phones and tablets. The full-screen color fill is visible without looking closely at the digits, so it works well when your phone is on the floor or propped up during a workout.
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