4 Minute Timer — Free Online Countdown

Need a 4 minute timer? Press start above for a free four-minute countdown with an alarm at the end. It runs in your browser with no app or sign-up, keeps accurate time in the background, and goes full screen for a room to see.

Four Minutes, Many Uses

• A Tabata round — the classic Tabata workout is eight rounds of 20 seconds hard work and 10 seconds rest, which adds up to exactly four minutes. For the work/rest beeps, use our Tabata interval timer video.
• Black tea — four minutes is a sweet spot for English breakfast. The tea timer has presets for other teas.
• Dippy eggs — about four minutes gives a very runny yolk. See the egg timer for every style.
• Short talks and pitches — rehearse a four-minute presentation until it fits comfortably.
• A quick reset — tidy your desk, refill your water, stretch, and you're back.

Nearby Timers

Just a little shorter or longer? Jump to the 3 minute or 5 minute timer, or use −1/+1 above.

4 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.

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

4 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.

How long is a Tabata workout?

One Tabata round is 8 intervals of 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest — four minutes in total.

Is it free?

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