3 Minute Timer
180-second countdown — ready to start
03:00
Ready
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What is a 3 minute timer used for?
A 3 minute timer is ideal for timed activities that need a brief but meaningful window. Common uses include steeping tea, short rest intervals in fitness, cooking pasta, and timed writing warm-ups. It is also the standard boil time for soft-boiled eggs.
- Tea BrewingPerfect for green, white, and herbal teas that steep for exactly 3 minutes.
- CookingSoft-boiled eggs, instant noodles timing, or checking dishes that cook quickly.
- ExerciseShort rest intervals between sets, or a 3-minute round of boxing or home workout.
- PresentationsLightning-round time limits or Q&A reply slots in meetings.
- Study BreaksMicro-breaks between focused work blocks.
- MindfulnessThree-minute breathing space — a quick mindfulness technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the timer keep running in a background tab? ▾
Yes. The browser tab title updates live with remaining time so you can track the countdown from any tab. The alarm fires when complete even if you switch to another window.
Can I use this timer fullscreen? ▾
Yes — click the ⛶ fullscreen button. The timer expands to fill your entire screen, ideal for classrooms, gyms, and presentations.
How do I change the alarm sound? ▾
Use the sound selector (Bell / Beep / Chime / Silent) next to the controls. All sounds are generated via the Web Audio API internally — no audio files are downloaded.
Can I loop the 3 minute timer? ▾
For a looping timer, visit the main Countdown Timer page, set 3 minutes, and enable the Loop toggle so the timer restarts automatically.