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12 Minute Timer

Press start — it keeps counting even if you switch tabs, and chimes when time’s up. Tap the ring to pause.

Embed this timer on your website, blog or LMS — free

Copy the code below and paste it into any web page, Google Site or learning platform. Add &theme=light or &theme=dark to the link to change the colours.

12 Minute Timer — Free Online Countdown

Need a 12 minute timer? The countdown above is free, runs in your browser, keeps accurate time in the background and chimes when twelve minutes are up. Adjust with −1/+1 or go full screen.

What Twelve Minutes Is Good For

  • The Cooper test — a fitness test devised by Dr Kenneth Cooper in 1968: run as far as you can in 12 minutes, then measure the distance. It's still used in schools and sports clubs.
  • Extra-firm boiled eggs — twelve minutes gives a fully set, crumbly yolk for egg salad. See all timings on the egg timer.
  • Pasta and rice — many shapes of dried pasta and white rice land around 10 to 12 minutes.
  • A short focus block — twelve minutes is a gentle start when a 25-minute Pomodoro feels like too much.
  • Classroom activities — group discussions, quizzes and station rotations. The classroom timer is built for projectors.

Nearby Timers

Try the 10 minute or 15 minute timer, or type any length into the box above.

12 Minute Timer Video

Prefer a video version? Play the same countdown on YouTube — handy on a TV, kitchen tablet, classroom projector or second screen. Silent while it runs, with a gentle chime at the end.

12 Minute Timer – Calm Countdown with Gentle Alarm — video preview

Opens the YouTube player only when you press play. More free timer videos on our YouTube channel.

12 Minute Timer — FAQ

Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?

Yes. The countdown is based on the clock, not the tab, so it stays accurate in the background and the alarm is scheduled to sound on time. The time left also shows in the browser tab title.

What is the 12-minute run test?

The Cooper test asks you to run or walk as far as you can in 12 minutes. The distance covered gives a rough estimate of aerobic fitness.

Is it free?

Completely free, with no sign-up, no app and no ads.