4 Minute Timer

Set a free 4 minute timer online. Ideal for workout intervals, quick tasks, and timed drills. Press start and stay on track.

Four minutes is an underrated duration. It's long enough to do real work but short enough to keep your energy high. This timer counts down with a clear display and plays an alarm when time is up.

How Do I Use the 4 Minute Timer?

1. Click Start to begin the 4-minute countdown.
2. The progress ring shows how much time remains.
3. Pause or reset at any time.
4. An alarm alerts you when the 4 minutes are done.

Keyboard shortcuts: Space for start/pause, R to reset. Use fullscreen for a larger view.

What Can I Do With a 4 Minute Timer?

Four minutes works great for:

• Tabata rest periods. A standard Tabata round is 4 minutes total (20 seconds on, 10 seconds off, 8 rounds). Use this timer for recovery between full sets.
• Quick phone calls. Need to check in with someone but don't want to get stuck on a long call? Set a 4-minute limit.
• Speed cleaning. Pick one small area and clean it in 4 minutes. A bathroom counter, a desk, or a kitchen sink. You'll be surprised how much gets done.
• Boiling pasta. Angel hair and thin pasta cook in about 3 to 4 minutes. Set the timer so you don't end up with mush.
• Brain dump. Write down everything on your mind in 4 minutes. Don't edit. Just get it on paper.
• Warm-up routine. Four minutes of light movement before a workout gets your heart rate up and your joints ready.

Why Are 4-Minute Intervals Popular in Fitness?

The 4-minute block comes from Tabata training, developed by Japanese researcher Dr. Izumi Tabata. His studies showed that short, intense intervals improved both aerobic and anaerobic fitness more than longer moderate sessions.

A Tabata set lasts 4 minutes: 20 seconds of all-out effort, 10 seconds of rest, repeated 8 times. It's brutal, but it works. Many HIIT programs build on this format with longer rest between sets.

This timer helps you track the rest period between rounds, or you can use it for the full 4-minute block if you're doing a simpler interval format.

Does the Alarm Work in Another Tab?

Yes. The timer keeps counting in the background. When it hits zero, the alarm plays even if you're on a different tab. The browser tab also shows the remaining seconds, so you can peek at it without switching back.

You can toggle the alarm sound on or off from the settings panel.

More Timers and Tools

Need a different duration? Try the 3 minute timer, 5 minute timer, or 10 minute timer. Track your workout intervals with the stopwatch, or try the Pomodoro timer for longer focused sessions.

Start your 4 minute timer and make every second count.