How to use the 30 second timer
- The timer is already set to 30 seconds. 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 30 seconds timer is good for
Thirty seconds sounds short until you hold a plank. It is the standard interval for many bodyweight exercises, for timed "one-minute talk" drills split in two, and for handwashing (public health guidance recommends at least 20 seconds, so 30 gives a margin). Dentists suggest two minutes of brushing, which is four 30-second quadrants. In classrooms it works for "turn to your partner" moments and lightning quiz rounds.
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 is 30 seconds for handwashing?
Health guidance recommends at least 20 seconds of scrubbing; a 30-second timer gives a comfortable margin.
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 30 seconds.