20 Minute Timer
20 minute timer for a reading block, writing time or small groups. A big clock and a ring that empties, ready to start with one press. Free, no sign-up.
20:00
What a 20 Minute Timer Is Good For
Reading block
Twenty minutes with a book at home or in class, with the clock doing the checking.
Writing time
Enough for a first draft of a short piece, started from a writing prompt.
Small groups
You sit with one small group while the others work, and change groups at zero.
How to Use It
- The clock opens at 20 minutes, and nothing runs until you press Start. To change it, press a quick button or type a new time.
- Press Start, or press Space if you’re not typing in a field.
- Press Pause if you need to stop for a moment, then Resume. Need longer? Press +1 minute.
- Press Big screen to show only the clock on a projector.
- Turn Sound on if you want a chime at zero. Either way, the clock says Time’s up!
- Press Reset to go back to the time you set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a 20 minute timer for reading at home?
Yes. Open it on any phone, tablet or laptop and press Start. Put the device where you can see the ring. There’s nothing to sign in to.
Will the screen stay on for 20 minutes?
Where the browser allows it, yes: the page asks the device to keep the screen awake while the timer runs and lets go when it stops or is paused. If your browser can’t, change your device’s screen setting for the lesson.
Will it make a sound at zero?
Only if you turn Sound on with the switch by the clock. It’s off until you do, and the same switch works for every wheel on this device. Then a chime plays at zero if your browser allows it. A browser can block sound, so keep the clock in view.
Does it keep time if I switch tabs?
Yes. It works from the time it should end, not by counting ticks, so the clock is right when you come back. The time shows in the tab’s title while it runs.
Can I show it on a projector?
Yes. Press Big screen and only the clock fills the screen, large enough to read from the back of the room. Press Space to pause or start it there, and Escape or Leave big screen to go back.
Is anything saved?
No. The timer runs in your browser and nothing about it is sent to us. Reload the page and it starts fresh. Your Sound choice stays on this device only.
Is it free?
Yes. There’s no sign-up and nothing to install.
Ideas from the Blog
- Writing Prompt Generator: Spin a Story Idea for FreeA free writing prompt generator: spin a wheel for a story idea or a first line, with lists for kids, class and journals, and room to add your own prompts.
- Things to Do When Bored: Spin for Something NewThings to do when bored at home, with friends or with kids: quick ideas that take no money. Put yours on a wheel and spin, so you don’t have to choose.
- Classroom Spinner Ideas: Ways to Use a Wheel in ClassClassroom spinner ideas for teachers: class jobs, rewards, math and reading warm-ups, word games and debates, each with a ready-made wheel to spin.
More Timers
Classroom Timer · 10 Minute Timer · 15 Minute Timer · 30 Minute Timer
Prefer a Wheel?
Need an opening line for the twenty minutes? Spin the story starter wheel or one of these.
Story Starter Wheel12 entries
Book Genre Wheel12 entries- Writing Prompt Wheel16 entries
- Morning Meeting Wheel16 entries
- Random Student Picker Wheel24 entries
Drawing Wheel20 entries
All classroom wheels · Wheel spinner · Random team generator