Visual Timer
This visual timer shows the time left as a coloured circle that shrinks as the countdown runs, turning from green to amber to red.
Set. Start. Take a breath.
Extra time applies to this session only.
Pause and reset to change the start time.
Sound & display Make it work for you
Press Test sound to check your volume before starting.
Keep this page open. Sound may be delayed or unavailable if your device locks or your browser suspends the page.
It opens at 10 minutes with the circle switched on; press Start, or pick another length from the presets or the custom fields.
Key takeaways
- The circle is full at the start and empty at zero, so you can see how much time is left at a glance.
- Green means more than half is left, amber means between half and a fifth, red means the last fifth.
- The digits stay on screen next to the circle for the exact time.
- Any timer on the site can show the circle: turn on Visual circle, or add ?visual=1 to its address.
What is a circle timer?
A circle timer, or visual timer, draws the remaining time as a disc instead of only as numbers. The coloured part starts at the 12 o'clock position, and as time passes its edge sweeps back towards 12 o'clock until nothing is left. The coloured area always equals the share of time remaining: half the circle means half the time.
| Time left | Circle colour | What it tells a group |
|---|---|---|
| More than half | Green | Plenty of time, keep going |
| Between half and a fifth | Amber | Past halfway, start finishing |
| The last fifth | Red | Time to wrap up |
Who is a visual timer for?
- Young children who cannot read a clock yet: "when the circle is gone, play time ends" is easier than "at 06:40".
- Classes, where the whole room can see how long an activity has left from the back of the room.
- People who find it hard to judge time, for whom a shrinking shape is easier than changing digits.
- Anyone working across a room, at a kitchen worktop, a workbench or a gym floor.
How do I show the circle in full screen?
Press Full screen under Sound & display. The circle grows with the screen, up to about 420 pixels wide, and the digits stay readable. On an interactive whiteboard or a projector this is the view to use. Press Exit full screen or Esc to go back.
Can I use the circle with other timer lengths?
Yes. The circle reads the countdown's own progress, so it works the same for a 2-minute tidy-up or an hour-long exam. On this page, choose a preset or enter your own time. On any other timer, open Sound & display and turn on Visual circle; the choice is saved in this browser for your next visit. To share a link that opens with the circle showing, add ?visual=1 to the timer's address.
Need a long countdown? The 1 hour timer and 2 hour timer also work with the circle.
Does the circle move smoothly?
Usually, yes. If your device is set to reduce motion, the circle moves in small steps of one per cent instead of continuously, so it changes without constant animation. The countdown itself is not affected.
A rhythm for your focus ↗
Focus sessions, short breaks and a longer pause. Make the intervals your own.
Open Pomodoro timerTIME EVERYONE CAN SEEKeep the room on track ↗
A clear classroom countdown with an activity label and a quiet finish if you prefer.
Open classroom timerA timer for the time you have.
Pick a preset below. Need to count up instead? Our sister site Online Stopwatch times laps and split times in your browser, free and without an account.
Something shorter? The 2 minute timer and 3 minute timer are ready with one click.
Boiling eggs? Use the egg timer with soft, medium and hard presets.
Using it in class? The Classroom Timer adds an activity label, large fullscreen numbers and an optional quiet ending.
Countdowns
More timers and countdowns
FAQ
Does the circle change how the timer counts?
No. It only reads the countdown's progress and draws it. When you pause the timer, the circle stops too, and it carries on from the same point when you press Start.
How do I turn the circle off?
Switch off Visual circle under Sound & display. The setting is remembered in this browser, so other timers will open without the circle until you switch it on again.
Can I use the circle in the classroom timer?
Yes. The classroom timer can show the same circle above its large digits, next to the activity label, so pupils see both what they are doing and how long is left.