How to use the 3 minute timer
- The timer is already set to three minutes. Press Start or the space bar.
- Pause and resume with the same button, or tap ＋1 min if you need longer.
- When time is up, the alarm sounds, the screen flashes and phones vibrate. Pick the alarm sound below the timer.
- Use ⛶ for full screen so everyone in the room can see it.
What a three minutes timer is good for
Three minutes is a classic kitchen interval: many instant noodles and black teas are ready in three to four minutes, and three minutes in boiling water gives a very runny soft-boiled egg (closer to six for a jammy yolk). It is the length of a professional boxing round and of many interval workouts, and a good length for a short guided breathing exercise.
The countdown is measured against the clock, so it stays accurate in a background tab, and the remaining time shows in the tab title. Need a different length? Tap one of the quick times or type your own. Everything runs in your browser with no app or sign-up.
FAQ
How long do I boil an egg for a runny yolk?
Around 3 minutes for very runny, 6 minutes for jammy and 9 to 10 for hard-boiled, starting in boiling water.
Will the alarm go off if my phone screen locks?
Keep the screen on for the alarm to sound reliably; many phones pause web pages when locked. The timer tries to keep the screen awake while it runs.
Can I pause the timer?
Yes. Press Pause and then Resume. Reset starts it again from three minutes.