5 Minute Timer
5 minute timer for a brain break, a tidy-up or a warm-up problem. A big clock and a ring that empties, ready to start with one press. Free, no sign-up.
05:00
What a 5 Minute Timer Is Good For
Brain break
A song, a stretch or a game, then everyone back in their seats at zero.
Tidy-up
Everyone clears their own space and one shared spot before the clock runs out.
Warm-up problem
A problem on the board as the class comes in, gone over together at zero.
How to Use It
- The clock opens at 5 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
How long should a brain break be?
There’s no fixed rule. Five minutes leaves room for a song or a game and for getting back to seats. If your class needs less, the 2 minute timer works the same way.
What if tidy-up takes longer than 5 minutes?
Press +1 minute while it runs, as many times as you need. The clock and the ring both adjust, and nobody has to start over.
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
- Brain Break Ideas: 16 Quick Ones to Spin in ClassBrain break ideas for class: movement, calm and silly breaks that take two minutes and need no kit. Put them on a wheel and let a spin choose the next one.
- Classroom Jobs Ideas: A List and a Fair Way to AssignClassroom jobs ideas, from line leader to tech helper, and a fair way to hand them out: spin a wheel once a week, so every student gets a turn at each job.
- Indoor Recess Games: Quick Ideas for Rainy DaysIndoor recess games that need no setup: moving games, quiet games and drawing games for a rainy day. Spin a wheel so the class stops arguing over which one.
More Timers
Classroom Timer · 2 Minute Timer · 3 Minute Timer · 10 Minute Timer · 15 Minute Timer
Prefer a Wheel?
Stuck on what to do in the break? Spin the brain break wheel or one of these.
Brain Break Wheel16 entries
Classroom Jobs Wheel18 entries- Kindness Wheel16 entries
- Exercise Wheel16 entries
Charades Wheel16 entries- Classroom Reward Wheel10 entries
All classroom wheels · Wheel spinner · Random team generator