20 second timer
Counts down 20 sec, then beeps.
Space start/pause R reset Esc stop
Settings
Counts down 20 sec, then beeps.
01
What this one is for
A 20 second timer is the Tabata work interval. Twenty seconds all out, ten seconds rest, eight times. Twenty seconds is not long until it is the fifth round.
It is also the hand washing standard, which is where most people learned that twenty seconds is longer than they thought.
Press Space to start. It beeps at zero and the screen stays awake if you are mid set.
02
Good for
- Tabata work intervals
- Hand washing
- Sprint or bike all out efforts
- Short isometric holds
03
How it runs
Counts down 20 sec, then beeps. Press Start, or hit Space. The digits turn green while a work block runs and grey on rest.
Sound is on by default: a rising pair for work, a falling pair for rest, a tick for the last three seconds and a three-note finish. Mute with the speaker button. The screen stays on while the timer runs and the tab title shows the time left.
Change anything in Settings under the timer. The last setup you used on this page is remembered in your browser.
Questions people ask
- Can I get all eight Tabata rounds automatically?
- Yes. The Tabata page runs 20 on and 10 off for eight rounds with beeps at every switch.
- Why is 20 seconds the hand washing time?
- Health guidance settled on twenty seconds of scrubbing as the point where soap reliably does its job. Humming happy birthday twice is the usual trick.
- Will it beep if I look away?
- The countdown stays correct from timestamps and the beep plays while the tab is open or as soon as you return to it.
- Can I change it to 30 seconds?
- Yes, edit the duration or use the 30 second page.