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Classroom Timer
Pick a routine or set your own time, then press F to project it.
Ready
🔔 Click or tap anywhere to turn on the alarm sound.
Space start / pause · R reset · F full screen · works with presentation clickers
One-tap classroom routines
A timer everyone can see is one of the simplest classroom-management tools there is. It makes expectations concrete, keeps lessons on pace, and lets you stop being the clock.
Choose the right display for your students
| Display | Best for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Digital + ring | Grades 3–12, tests | Exact time remaining, readable from the back of the room. |
| Visual disc | Pre-K–2, special education | Shows time as an amount that shrinks; no clock-reading needed. |
| Progress bar | Long work blocks | Shows roughly how far along you are without second-by-second pressure. |
| Traffic light | Group work, stations | Green, yellow, and red signal when to start wrapping up. |
More classroom tools
- Visual TimerShrinking disc with no numbers.
- Random Name PickerCall on students fairly.
- Group GeneratorMake balanced groups fast.
- StopwatchTime how long a routine really takes.
Tips for using a timer in class
- Say what "done" looks like before you start. "When the timer ends, pencils are down and eyes are on me."
- Start short. Slightly too little time creates focus; you can always tap +1 min.
- Honor the bell. If time is up, move on. A timer you ignore stops working.
- Time yourself, too. Projecting a timer during direct instruction keeps mini-lessons mini.
- Hide the numbers for anxious students. A progress bar gives the gist without a ticking clock.
For more ideas, read 9 classroom timer strategies andhow to run transitions in under two minutes.
Classroom timer FAQ
How do I set a timer for my class?
Tap one of the routine presets, such as "Clean-up · 3 min", or type your own minutes and press "Set & start". Then press F to show the countdown full screen on your board.
How do I put the classroom timer on my smart board?
Open this page on the computer connected to your board or projector, choose a preset or set your own time, and press F for full screen. The countdown fills the display with nothing else on screen.
How do I add a timer to PowerPoint or Google Slides?
Keep this timer open in a browser window next to your slides and switch to it when an activity starts, or paste its link onto a slide. PowerPoint also supports timer add-ins and animated countdown bars. See the step-by-step guide
Can I control the timer from across the room?
Yes. A standard presentation clicker works: the "next" button starts and pauses the timer and the "back" button resets it. On a touch board you can also tap the buttons directly.
What is the traffic-light display?
The screen is green while there is plenty of time, turns yellow when half the time is gone, and red for the last stretch. Students can pace themselves at a glance.
Is there a timer without numbers for younger students?
Yes. Choose the "Visual disc" display and check "Hide numbers", or open the visual timer. Students see a colored disc that shrinks as time passes. Open the visual timer
Does the timer show ads to my class?
Not in full-screen mode. When the timer is full screen, the countdown is the only thing on the display.
Last reviewed by the TeachTimer team · How we build and check our tools