The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo, splits work into focused 25-minute intervals separated by 5-minute breaks, with a longer 15–30-minute break after every four. The rhythm helps maintain focus and makes it easier to estimate how long tasks take.
How to use the Pomodoro Technique Calculator
- Focused work needed
- Pomodoro length
- Short break
- Long break
- Pomodoros per set
- Start time
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter how much focused work you need, the length of a pomodoro and of short and long breaks, how many pomodoros make a set, and your start time.
Tips
- Track a typical week before planning – real figures beat estimates.
- Break big tasks into smaller pieces and plan buffer time for interruptions.
- Re-run the numbers when your inputs change so plans stay realistic.
- Use results as a guide for decisions, not as a precise prediction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting calendar days when the deadline is in working days (or the reverse).
- Forgetting breaks, setup and handover time.
- Assuming every day is as productive as your best day.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Focused work needed | Units: h, min |
| Pomodoro length | In min |
| Short break | In min |
| Long break | In min |
| Pomodoros per set | A number |
| Start time | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
What each result means
- Pomodoros = ceil([Focused work needed]×60÷[Pomodoro length] – 0.000001)
- Long breaks = floor(max([Pomodoros] – 1, 0)÷[Pomodoros per set])
- Short breaks = max([Pomodoros] – 1 – [Long breaks], 0)
- Total time including breaks = ([Pomodoros]×[Pomodoro length] + [Short breaks]×[Short break] + [Long breaks]×[Long break])÷60
- Finish time = [Start time] + [Total time including breaks]
Example values
How the main result changes when Focused work needed changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Focused work needed (h) | Pomodoros |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5 |
| 3 | 8 |
| 4 | 10 |
| 5 | 12 |
| 6 | 15 |
| 8 | 20 |
Formula
Pomodoros = ceil(work time ÷ pomodoro length)Long breaks = floor((pomodoros − 1) ÷ sessions per set); short breaks = pomodoros − 1 − long breaksTotal = pomodoros × length + breaksWorked example
Inputs — Focused work needed: 4 h; Pomodoro length: 25 min; Short break: 5 min; Long break: 20 min; Pomodoros per set: 4; Start time: 09:00.
Results — Pomodoros = 10; Long breaks = 2; Short breaks = 7; Total time including breaks = 5 h 25 min; Finish time = 2:25 PM.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a pomodoro?
Traditionally 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.
How many pomodoros a day?
Many people manage 8–12 focused pomodoros (about 4–6 hours of deep work).
Can I change the lengths?
Yes – 50/10 or 90/20 rhythms suit some people and tasks better.
What formula does the Pomodoro Technique Calculator use?
Pomodoros = ceil(work time ÷ pomodoro length).