3 Minute Timer
3 minute timer for a quick write, an exit ticket or a cup of tea. A big clock and a ring that empties, ready to start with one press. Free, no sign-up.
03:00
What a 3 Minute Timer Is Good For
Quick write
Students write whatever they know about today’s topic, without stopping, until zero.
Exit ticket
One question on a slip of paper at the end of the lesson, handed over at the door.
Cup of tea
Leave the tea bag in until the ring runs out, and get on with something else while it steeps.
How to Use It
- The clock opens at 3 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
What is a quick write?
A short burst of writing on one topic, where students keep the pencil moving and don’t stop to fix anything. Three minutes is a good length to try, and +1 minute is there if the class is still going.
Can I use a 3 minute timer for exit tickets?
Yes. Put the question on the board, start the clock and collect the slips at zero. Stay out of Big screen if the question is on the same screen, since Big screen shows only the clock.
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.
- Morning Meeting Ideas: Greetings, Questions and GamesMorning meeting ideas for class: quick greetings, share questions, feelings check-ins and short games. Spin a wheel to pick today’s, so it never goes stale.
- 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 · 1 Minute Timer · 2 Minute Timer · 5 Minute Timer · 10 Minute Timer
Prefer a Wheel?
Need a topic for the quick write? Spin the writing prompt wheel or one of these.
Writing Prompt Wheel16 entries
Sight Word Wheel40 entries- Math Wheel12 entries
- Random Student Picker Wheel24 entries
- Adjective Wheel16 entries
- Story Starter Wheel12 entries
All classroom wheels · Wheel spinner · Random team generator