Study Timer
Studying rarely fails at the understanding step — it fails at the sitting-down step, and then again at the staying-seated step. A study timer fixes both by shrinking the decision: you're not committing to an evening of organic chemistry, you're committing to 25 minutes of it.
This page runs the classic 25/5 split, and it fits study work well: one flashcard deck, one problem set section, one lecture's notes per block. The 5-minute break is short on purpose — long enough to stand up and refill water, short enough that you don't lose the thread. After three or four rounds, take a longer break away from the desk.
Two honest rules make the timer work: pick the task before you press start, and put the phone somewhere that requires standing up. The timer keeps counting in the tab title if you switch windows — but the point of the block is that you don't.
Questions
How long should a study session be?
Start with 25/5. If you keep getting cut off mid-problem, move up to 45/15 or 50/10. The right length is the longest block you can finish without drifting — most students overestimate it at first.
Is this study timer free?
Yes. It runs in your browser, no account, no ads. The Flow app adds music and stats; it also has a free tier.
Should I listen to music while studying?
For reading-heavy work, music with lyrics competes with the text — instrumental works better for most people. Flow's library is instrumental focus music produced in-house, plus ambient layers like rain and café if music isn't your thing.
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The countdown continues in the background and the remaining time shows in the tab title.
Other splits
The full setup is one click away
This page is the timer on its own. The app adds original focus music — produced in-house, not stock loops — an ambient mixer, tasks, and honest stats. Free tier, no sign-up to try.