Custom Interval Timer

Build your own interval timer — set rounds, work time, rest time, prepare countdown, and end warning. Free, no signup, works in any browser.

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Round 1 / 12

⚙️ Customize Timer

Work Rest

A custom interval timer lets you define every variable of your workout: how long each work phase lasts, how long you rest, how many rounds to complete, and how much preparation time you need before the first round begins. This flexibility makes it suitable for boxing, HIIT, yoga, circuit training, study sessions, and any other timed activity.

No two athletes, coaches, or practitioners have identical needs. The custom interval timer removes the constraint of pre-built protocols and lets you dial in exactly the timing that matches your training program, periodization plan, or work-rest requirements.

Build the interval around the movement

The interval should come from what you are doing rather than from a round number. A movement with a long setup — getting into position, gripping a bar — needs a longer work period to get the same working time as one you can start instantly.

The same applies to rest. A movement that leaves you breathing hard needs recovery measured against the breathing, not against a figure that looked tidy when you set the timer up.

Test it once before committing to the session

A ratio that looks right on paper frequently is not. Running one round before starting the full session costs forty seconds and prevents discovering at round six that the rest was fifteen seconds short.

The signal to watch is whether the last two rounds hold the same quality as the first two. If output falls away, the rest was too short or the round count too high, and the session trained fatigue rather than what you intended.

Preparation time exists for a reason

A ten- or fifteen-second lead-in lets you get into position, start a recording, or simply put the phone down before the first round begins. Without it the first round is always compromised.

It matters most for movements where starting badly is unsafe — anything loaded, anything overhead. Scrambling into position as the beep goes is how the first rep becomes the worst one.

A starting point by goal. Test one round before committing to a full session.

Choosing intervals
Goal Work Rest Rounds Note
Strength 20-30 s 90-180 s 5-8 Quality over density
Power 10-20 s 2-3 min 6-10 Every rep maximal
Conditioning 40 s 20 s 8-12 Density is the point
Endurance 60-90 s 30 s 6-10
Skill practice 60 s 30 s 6-10 Stop before form goes
Preparation 10-15 s Set up before round one
  • Build the interval from the movement — a long setup needs a longer work period for the same working time.
  • If the last two rounds are visibly worse than the first two, the rest was short or the round count high.

Source: Interval structures are established training convention rather than a published standard

Sources

  1. Interval structures are established training convention rather than a published standard , TheTimerLab — accessed 2026-07-28

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a custom interval timer?
Use the settings panel on the right to enter your desired Rounds, Round Time (MM:SS), Rest Time (MM:SS), Prepare time (the countdown before round 1), and Warning time (audio cue before each round ends). Click Apply to update the timer, then Start to begin.
Can I change the settings while the timer is running?
Change settings while paused or stopped. Click Reset first, update your settings, click Apply, then Start. Changing settings mid-round is not recommended as it resets the current round's progress.
What is the Prepare countdown?
The Prepare phase is a countdown before round 1 begins — useful for getting into position, attaching gloves, or steadying breathing. Common prepare times: 10 seconds for fitness, 25 seconds for boxing, 0 seconds for study sessions.
What is the Round End Warning?
The warning plays an audio cue N seconds before each round ends — giving you time to prepare for the rest phase or push for a final effort. A 10-second warning is standard in boxing; 3 seconds is common for HIIT workouts.
What work-to-rest ratio should I use?
Ratio by goal: 1:1 (30:30) for general fitness; 2:1 (40:20 or 20:10 Tabata) for high intensity; 3:1 (45:15) for strength-endurance; 1:3 (20:60) for power/speed work with full recovery. Beginners should start with at least 1:1.
How many rounds should I set?
Rounds by duration: 6–8 rounds for a 4–8 minute focused block; 10–12 rounds for a 15–20 minute workout; 20+ rounds for extended conditioning sessions. For Tabata: exactly 8 rounds per exercise.
Can I use this for non-fitness activities?
Yes — the custom interval timer works for any timed activity: study sessions (50 min work / 10 min break), meeting timekeeping, language practice drills, music practice intervals, and debate prep. Set Prepare and Rest to 0 for a simple repeating work timer.
Does the timer work without internet?
Once the page has loaded, the timer runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript — no internet connection required. The sounds are generated by the Web Audio API. Save the page as a browser bookmark and it will work offline.
TheTimerLab