Set the timer to 151 seconds

00:00:00

How to use the online timer

Good tea has an optimum steep, and 151 seconds is about right for a lot of black teas before they turn bitter and stewed. Set it going as soon as the water hits the leaves, wander off to do something else, and come back when it calls you rather than hovering over the pot. It's a small habit that makes the difference between a decent cuppa and a rushed, weak one.

It runs the moment you hit Start, no extra steps needed before the numbers begin moving. Because everything happens inside this browser tab, it needs to remain open while the clock runs; switching tabs is fine, but closing the page or turning off your screen partway through will stop the countdown. A sound marks the finish, so you'll know the moment it's done without having to watch it count down.

A kitchen timer only works in the kitchen, and a phone timer competes with texts, calls, and every other app fighting for your attention. Keeping the countdown in a browser tab sidesteps both problems: it goes wherever your laptop or phone goes, and it isn't trying to notify you about anything else. Minimise it, work on something else, and it'll be counting when you check back. If you would rather say put a timer on for 151 seconds, that works too — press Start and the page does the rest.

Common questions

Can I set a custom time instead of the preset?

Yes, most pages let you adjust the minutes and seconds directly, so you're not limited to the exact length shown in the page title.

Does the timer work without an internet connection?

The page needs to load once, but the countdown itself runs locally in your browser, so a dropped connection partway through won't stop it.

Will the timer still run if my laptop goes to sleep?

No, if the device sleeps or the browser is suspended, the countdown pauses along with it, so keep your screen awake for an accurate result.

Is there a cost to use the timer?

No, it's free to use, with no registration, sign-up, or hidden limit on how many times you can run it.