Countdown Timer
Free online countdown timer. Count down to any date and time or set a quick duration, with a live progress ring, pause and resume, fullscreen mode, and a sound alert when time runs out. Accurate, no signup, 100% client-side.
Saved countdowns
Name the current setup (for example “Launch” or “Birthday”) and save it in this browser for one-click reuse.
How it works
- Timestamp-based, drift-free. Every second the display is recomputed as target moment minus now from your device clock — never by counting down one tick at a time — so background tab throttling cannot make it drift.
- Progress ring. The ring shows remaining time as a fraction of the total duration you set.
- Alarm at zero. A three-beep WebAudio alarm (synthesized in code, no audio files), a flashing display, and a flashing tab title.
- Private by design. No accounts, no server requests, no tracking of your timers. Saved timers live only in your browser’s localStorage.
Counting down to an event date instead? For a passive live display (New Year, Christmas, birthdays) with years and months, see the Time Until Date Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is this countdown timer accurate?
Yes. The remaining time is recomputed from your device clock on every tick (timestamp-based), not by subtracting one second per tick, so it cannot drift — even if the browser throttles the tab in the background.
Will the timer keep running if I switch tabs or minimize the browser?
Yes. The target moment is stored as a timestamp, so switching tabs never pauses or resets it. Note that some browsers may delay the alarm sound until you return to the tab because of autoplay policies.
What happens when the countdown reaches zero?
The display flashes, a three-beep alarm plays using WebAudio (generated in code, no audio files), and the browser tab title flashes "TIME'S UP!" until you reset or start a new countdown.
Can I pause and resume the countdown?
Yes. Pausing stores the exact remaining milliseconds and shifts the target forward by the paused time when you resume, so not a single millisecond is lost.
Do I need an account, and where is my data stored?
No account needed. The timer runs 100% in your browser with no server requests, and named timers you save are kept in your browser's localStorage on your own device only.
What quick presets are available?
One-click duration presets: 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 1 day. You can also pick any exact date and time with the date-time picker, and name and save timers such as "Launch" or "Birthday" for reuse.
How is this different from the Time Until Date Calculator?
This is an interactive timer with start, pause, reset, an alarm, fullscreen mode, and saved timers — built for durations and deadlines you act on. For a passive live display counting down to an event date (New Year, Christmas, birthdays), use the Time Until Date Calculator instead.
Free tool by NRTechStudio