Cycles completed today
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52-17 Focus
Deep focus, fixed rhythm.
Free 52-17 timer
52-17 Timer – Free 52-Minute Focus & 17-Minute Break App
Use a fixed rhythm of 52 minutes of focused work and a 17-minute break. No sign-up is required, and tasks, focus history, a monthly calendar, and end sounds work directly in your browser.
Focus mode
52:00
Start when you are ready
Selected task
Focus without a task
You can start without selecting a task. The timer length is fixed.
Focus time today
0 min
Early-ended focus time
0 min
Plan
Tasks
Add multiple tasks and select one active task at a time.
Completed
Progress
Focus calendar
Select a date to review that day’s focus activity.
Selected date
Today
Focus time0 min
Completed cycles0
End early0 min
How to use
How to use 52-17 Focus
1
Choose a task
Add a task and an optional cycle goal, or begin without selecting a task.
2
Focus for 52 minutes
Work on one task. If you end early, the focused time completed so far is still recorded.
3
Take a 17-minute break
After the focus session, start the 17-minute break manually. Begin the next session when you are ready.
About
What is a 52-17 timer?
A 52-17 timer divides work into a 52-minute focus session followed by a 17-minute break. It is a longer alternative to the classic 25/5 Pomodoro rhythm and can suit tasks that need more uninterrupted time. The same method is also commonly written as “52/17.”
Where the 52–17 rhythm came from
In 2014, time-tracking company DeskTime analyzed the work patterns of its most productive employees. The analysis observed a pattern of roughly 52 minutes of work followed by about 17 minutes of rest, which became known as the 52–17 rule.
Source: DeskTime, “Does the 52-17 rule really hold up?”. The observed pattern is not a universal scientific law or a guarantee of productivity.
Features
How the 52–17 rhythm can help
01
Sustained focus
Use a substantial block of time for deep, uninterrupted work.
02
A meaningful reset
A full 17-minute break gives you time to step away and reset before the next session.
03
Time to process
Stepping away can create space to process what you studied or worked on.
The 52–17 rhythm is not the only ideal schedule for everyone.
Try it and decide whether it suits your work, energy, and circumstances.
52-17 vs Pomodoro
52-17 timer vs the Pomodoro Technique
Both methods alternate focus and rest. The main difference is session length: 52-17 gives you more uninterrupted time, while 25/5 lowers the barrier to starting.
| Comparison | 52-17 timer | Pomodoro 25/5 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus period | 52 minutes for deeper work | 25 minutes for shorter sprints |
| Break | 17 minutes, long enough to step away | 5 minutes, easy to keep momentum |
| Best for | Writing, coding, design, reading, complex study | Admin, memorisation, email, small tasks |
| Try it when | 25 minutes ends just as you reach flow | Long sessions feel difficult to start |
Best for
Who should use a 52-17 timer?
Writing and content creation
Keep enough uninterrupted time for outlining, drafting, and editing without a timer interrupting every 25 minutes.
Study and long-form reading
Useful for chapters, essays, and subjects where returning to the context takes time.
Coding and design
Suitable for work that has a warm-up cost and benefits from staying inside the same problem for longer.
People who find Pomodoro too short
Try 52-17 when a 25-minute session ends just as your concentration becomes productive.
FAQ
52-17 timer frequently asked questions
What is the 52-17 rule?
It is a time-management rhythm of 52 minutes of focused work followed by 17 minutes of rest. It became popular after DeskTime published an analysis of productive users, but it is not a universal rule.
Is 52-17 better than Pomodoro?
Neither is always better. Use 52-17 for work that needs a longer warm-up and 25/5 when short sessions make it easier to start.
Is this 52-17 timer free?
Yes. It is free to use, with no account or installation required.
Can I use the timer without adding a task?
Yes. Start a focus session with no selected task, or add tasks when you want separate records.
Will the sound play when my phone is locked?
Mobile browsers may block sounds while the screen is locked or the page is in the background. Keep the page open when the end sound is important.
Notes
Before you use the app
The end sound may not play while your device is locked or the browser is in the background.
Tasks and activity are stored in this browser and are not automatically synced to other devices or browsers.
Clearing this site’s browser data may also remove your saved tasks and activity.