Pomodoro technique

What It Means

The Pomodoro technique is a time management method where you work on one task for a set interval, usually 25 minutes, then take a short break of about 5 minutes. Each interval is called a pomodoro. After four pomodoros you take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes.

How People Say It

• "Give me two pomodoros and I'll be done."
• "I'm mid-pomodoro, can it wait?"
• "That report took six pomodoros."

The Breakdown

How to do it

1. Pick one task.
2. Set a timer for 25 minutes.
3. Work only on that task until the timer rings.
4. Take a short break of about 5 minutes.
5. After four rounds, take a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes.

Try it today. Pick the task you've been putting off the longest and give it a single round. Stop when the timer rings, even if you're on a roll, so you finish wanting to come back.

Versions people use

The longer and shorter versions are common changes people make to fit their day. They aren't part of the original method.

Where It Comes From

Francesco Cirillo developed the technique in the late 1980s while studying at university, timing himself with a tomato-shaped kitchen timer. Pomodoro is Italian for tomato. Pomodoro Technique is a registered trademark of Francesco Cirillo.

Good to Know

The break is part of the method. Skipping it to keep going tends to make later rounds harder.

Related Category

Productivity methods and focus