Is this countdown timer free to use?

Yes. This countdown timer is completely free with no account, login, or installation required. It runs entirely in your browser.

Does the countdown timer stay accurate if I switch to another tab?

Yes. Unlike timers that count interval ticks, this one records the target end timestamp and computes remaining time against the real clock on every update. It snaps back to the correct value the instant you return to the tab, regardless of how long it was in the background.

How do I set a countdown to a specific end time?

Use the End time selectors to choose an hour and minute, then click 'Use target time'. The timer calculates exactly how many seconds remain until that time today (or tomorrow if the time has already passed) and begins counting down.

What is the flip clock display?

The flip clock mode shows digits on split cards that animate like the mechanical departure boards found in classic airports and railway stations (called Solari or split-flap displays). When a digit changes, the top half folds away and the bottom half swings in — a two-part animation that faithfully recreates the original mechanism.

Does the timer make a sound when it finishes?

Yes. When the countdown reaches zero an audio alarm plays using the browser's Web Audio API — no external sound files needed. The screen also flashes red as a visual alert. Both continue until you press Reset.

What keyboard shortcuts does the countdown timer support?

Press the spacebar to start, pause, or resume the timer. When the alarm is sounding, spacebar resets it. The shortcut is inactive when a button or input is focused, so it never conflicts with normal tab navigation.

Can I use this countdown timer for presentations or meetings?

Yes. The remaining time is shown in the browser tab title while the timer is running, so you can monitor it at a glance without switching windows. The flip clock display is also designed for readability at large sizes, making it suitable for projected or second-screen use.

Free Online Countdown Timer

Set a countdown by duration or exact target time, choose between a flip clock or digital display, and get an audio alarm the moment it hits zero. No account, no install — runs entirely in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Does the timer stay accurate in a background tab?: Yes. It uses a wall-clock end timestamp rather than counting ticks, so it self-corrects the moment you return to the tab.
How do I count down to a specific time?: Use the End time selectors to pick an hour and minute, then click "Use target time." The timer calculates the exact seconds to that moment automatically.
What is the flip clock mode?: It animates digits like the mechanical split-flap departure boards in classic airports — each digit flips in two stages as the number changes.
Is there a keyboard shortcut?: Spacebar starts, pauses, and resumes the countdown. The timer title in your browser tab also shows the remaining time while it's running.