Hourglass Timer Online
This hourglass timer works like the real thing: you pick a duration, tap Start, and the sand runs from the upper bulb into the lower one. The time left is shown underneath, and an alarm sounds at the end. For brushing teeth, for games or in the classroom, setting the time is all it takes.
Source: MDN: Web Audio API (beep tone without an audio file, scheduled with precise timing). Updated: .
How it is calculated
An hourglass measures a fixed span of time by letting sand run through a narrow neck; this one shows the same on screen. You set the duration in hours, minutes and seconds, or tap a quick select from 1 to 30 minutes. The upper bulb empties, the lower one fills, and a thin stream shows that time is running.
How the hourglass works
- Start and pause: “Start” or the space bar sets the sand running. If you pause, the sand stops and carries on with “Resume”.
- Exact time: the calculation uses the end time, not single seconds. So it shows the right time left even after you switch tabs.
- Alarm: the sound at the end is scheduled when you start and arrives on time even in the background; on many phones the device also vibrates. Browsers only allow sound after a click or tap.
- Full screen: for classrooms or game nights the hourglass can be shown large.
Which duration suits what
One minute suits games, short talks and exercises, two to three minutes brushing teeth or steeping tea, five to ten minutes breaks or classroom tasks. With a real hourglass the amount of sand, grain size and the width of the neck decide the duration; here you simply set it. For a plain time display without the picture use the timer, the stopwatch counts upwards, and for fixed work phases there is the Pomodoro timer.
Frequently asked questions
How does the online hourglass timer work?
You set a duration and click “Start”. The sand runs from the upper bulb into the lower one until the time is up, and an alarm signals the end.
How long does the hourglass run?
As long as you set: from a few seconds up to 99 hours. 3 minutes is preset, and the quick select offers 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes.
Can I pause the hourglass and restart it?
Pausing works with “Pause”. To restart, use “Reset” and then “Start” again; the sand is then completely in the upper bulb once more.
Does it work in the background or on a phone?
In a background tab the time keeps running correctly and the time left appears in the tab title. With the screen locked many phones pause web pages, so the sound may be missing.
Why is there no sound?
Browsers only play sound after an input such as a click, tap or key press. Start the hourglass yourself and check the volume and silent switch of your device.
Sources and legal basis
- MDN: Web Audio API (beep tone without an audio file, scheduled with precise timing)
- MDN: Autoplay guide for media and Web Audio APIs (sound only after a user action)
- MDN: Page Visibility API (Verhalten in Hintergrund-Tabs)
As of: · Editorial policy
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