Quick answer
Fifteen minutes is the time-box for the Daily Scrum in the Scrum Guide, the classic long break after four Pomodoro sessions, and close to the simmer time for white rice. Playxoft's free 15 minute timer is already set: press Start or the Space key and it sounds an alarm at zero. Show it in focus mode on a shared screen to keep a stand-up on time.
- Set to 15 minutes
- Alarm rings in background tabs
- Multiple timers
- Six alarm sounds
- Fullscreen focus mode
How to use this 15 minute timer
- 1The timer is already set to 15 minutes. Press Start or the Space key to begin.
- 2Optional: name it (for example "Stand-up"), pick an alarm Sound, and turn on Repeat to run it again automatically.
- 3While it runs, use +1 min or the quick chips to adjust, and Focus mode for fullscreen digits.
- 4When the alarm rings, press Dismiss, or Snooze 5 min for more time.
What can you do with a 15 minute timer?
- Daily stand-ups. The Scrum Guide time-boxes the Daily Scrum to 15 minutes. Put the timer in Focus mode on the shared screen.
- Long Pomodoro breaks. After four focus sessions, the Pomodoro Technique calls for a longer 15 to 30 minute break.
- White rice. Many recipes simmer white rice for about 15 to 18 minutes and then rest it covered; follow your packet.
- Power naps. Short naps of 10 to 20 minutes are often recommended to avoid waking up groggy.
- Reading and walking breaks. A quarter hour is enough for a chapter or a brisk walk around the block.
How do I keep a stand-up to 15 minutes?
The Scrum Guide sets 15 minutes as the time-box for the Daily Scrum, and the same limit helps any daily check-in:
- Start on time, even if someone is late, and start the timer as you begin.
- Keep the focus on progress toward the goal and on what is blocking it.
- Move detailed discussions to a follow-up with only the people who need to be there.
- Show the countdown on the shared screen with Focus mode, so nobody has to be the timekeeper.
If you finish early, finish early. Fifteen minutes is a maximum, not a target.
Tips for using a 15 minute timer
- Name the timer "Stand-up" so the browser tab is clear when you share your screen.
- Turn on Repeat for a gentle every-15-minutes reminder to stand up or drink water.
- For naps, pick Soft rise so you wake gradually.
- Want 15-minute focus sessions with breaks? The Pomodoro timer can run them too.
How many seconds is 15 minutes?
15 minutes is 900 seconds, or 0.25 of an hour.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Seconds | 900 |
| Minutes | 15 |
| Hours | 0.25 |
| Back to back in one hour | 4 |
| Back to back in one day | 96 |
With Repeat on, this timer goes off 4 times an hour, which makes it a dependable interval reminder.
Need a different length?
- Shorter: 12 minute timer, 10 minute timer
- Longer: 20 minute timer, 25 minute timer
- Any length: the online timer takes whatever you type, for example
18m. - Focus sessions with breaks: the Pomodoro timer.
- Work and rest rounds: the interval timer.
- Counting up with laps: the stopwatch.
Frequently asked questions
The Scrum Guide time-boxes the Daily Scrum to 15 minutes. Many teams finish sooner; the time-box is a maximum.
The Pomodoro Technique recommends a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes after every four focus sessions.
Many recipes simmer white rice for about 15 to 18 minutes and then let it rest covered for a few minutes. Brown rice takes longer. Follow the packet for your rice.
Last updated by the Playxoft engineering team.