Pomodoro Technique FAQ

Short answers to the questions people most often ask about the Pomodoro Technique and about this site's timer. Where an answer relies on outside information, we cite the source at the bottom of the page. Where it is simply how OrbitFocus works, we say so.

About the technique

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

It is a time management method that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes long, separated by short breaks. Each interval is called a pomodoro, the Italian word for tomato, after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer its creator used as a university student [1]. For a full walkthrough, read our step-by-step guide.

Who invented it?

Francesco Cirillo developed it in the late 1980s [1]. The official Pomodoro Technique website describes how a small experiment with a tomato-shaped timer grew into a method for dealing with time [2].

How long is one pomodoro?

Typically 25 minutes. The original description is to set the timer for typically 25 minutes, work on one task, then take a short break when it rings [1]. The length is a convention, not a rule, and you can change it in OrbitFocus settings.

How long should the breaks be?

As summarized on Wikipedia, the short break is typically 5 to 10 minutes. After four pomodori you take a longer break, typically 20 to 30 minutes [1]. OrbitFocus defaults to 5 minutes for the short break and 15 minutes for the long break, and both are adjustable.

What should I do when someone interrupts me?

In the strict version of the technique, a pomodoro is indivisible. If you are interrupted, you either record the other activity and postpone it, or you abandon that pomodoro. For external interruptions, Wikipedia describes a four-step strategy: inform, negotiate, schedule and call back [1]. In practice that means telling the person you are busy, agreeing when you can help, scheduling it, and getting back to them.

Do I have to use exactly 25 minutes?

No. Many people experiment with different lengths. DeskTime, a company that publishes research on work and break ratios, says there is no one-size-fits-all approach and suggests testing different methods and measuring what works for you [3]. See our comparison with the 52/17 method for a longer rhythm.

Is there scientific proof that it works?

There is some supportive evidence, but it is limited. A study cited on Wikipedia compared 25 students using the technique with 35 students taking self-regulated breaks. The self-regulated group chose longer study sessions, which was associated with higher fatigue and lower concentration and motivation, but there was no difference in mental effort or task completion [1]. A 2022 meta-analysis of micro-breaks in general (breaks of up to 10 minutes) found small but significant benefits for vigor and fatigue and a non-significant effect on overall performance [4]. So the honest summary is: structured breaks seem helpful for how people feel, and the evidence for higher output is weaker.

What should I do during breaks?

The micro-break meta-analysis summarizes earlier research associating physical activity such as stretching and exercise with increased positive emotions and decreased fatigue, and work-related activities with decreased well-being. Its authors say that, for well-being, the answer seems to be any type of decoupling activity [4]. Standing up, stretching, getting water or looking out a window are easy options.

Is the Pomodoro Technique good for creative or deep work?

It can be, but it depends on you and the task. Interrupting a state of strong concentration just because a timer rings may not suit everyone. If a session is going well, some people extend the focus length in settings or use a longer rhythm. Read our deep-work tips for ways to protect longer blocks.

How many pomodoros should I do in a day?

None of the sources we reviewed prescribe a universal number, so we do not either. A practical approach is to use the Focus Log for a week to learn your own baseline, then set the daily goal in settings slightly above it.

How is it different from time-blocking?

A pomodoro timer structures the minutes inside a task, while time-blocking decides when tasks happen in your calendar. They combine well. See Pomodoro vs time-blocking.

Is "Pomodoro" a trademark?

Francesco Cirillo's website uses the ® mark with the name Pomodoro and lists it among its registered trademarks [5]. OrbitFocus is an independent project, is not affiliated with or endorsed by him, and uses the word only to describe the general focus-interval method.

About the OrbitFocus timer

Is OrbitFocus free?

Yes. The timer, task list and focus log are free to use. There are no ads on the timer or the task dashboard. The guides may carry ads in the future, which the privacy policy explains.

Do I need an account?

No. There is no sign-up and no login. An earlier version of the page showed an optional Google sign-in for syncing, which was never set up and has now been removed.

Where is my data stored?

In your own browser, using localStorage. Your tasks, focus totals, session history and settings do not leave your device and are not sent to our server. That also means the data does not sync between devices, and clearing your browser's site data will delete it. Use the Export button in the Tasks panel to save a copy.

Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?

The timer runs in the page, so keep the tab open. It counts against your device's clock, so the time stays accurate even if the browser slows down a background tab. If you want a desktop notification when a session ends, allow notifications when your browser asks after you press Start.

Can I use it on my phone?

Yes. The site is responsive and works in modern mobile browsers. Keep the screen awake or the tab open while a session is running.

What keyboard shortcuts are available?

Press the space bar to start or pause the timer and press / to add a task, as long as you are not typing in a text field.

How do I change the session lengths?

Click the settings (cog) button at the top of the timer page. You can change the focus length, short break, long break and daily goal.

Can I change the colour theme or use my own background?

Yes. Open settings on the timer page to choose a theme (Midnight, Light, Forest, Ocean, Sunset or High contrast) or to set your own image or video as the timer background. The theme is remembered on every page, and a background file stays on your device and is never uploaded.