Running a 4 minute timer in the background
This timer counts down from 4:00 using your computer's clock, not by counting ticks. That means it stays accurate when you switch tabs or your device sleeps. The tab title updates with the time left, so you can read it from another tab. The alarm is a browser tone, so nothing downloads. You can pick beeps, a chime, or silent with a flashing tab title. If you reload the page, the timer keeps going because the end time is saved in the browser for that tab. Press Space to start or pause. The display refreshes several times a second.
What people time at 4 minutes
Four minutes is a useful middle length. It is long enough to finish a small task but short enough to stay focused. Here are common uses:
- Steeping tea. Most teas need about 3 to 5 minutes, so 4 minutes works for many blends.
- Resting between sets at the gym. A 4 minute rest fits heavy lifts or longer recovery.
- A presentation slot. Some lightning talks or speech rounds run 4 minutes.
- A reading sprint. Four minutes is a quick push through a page or two.
You can also use it for a short meditation, a classroom quiz section, or a microwave step. The length is yours to set.