How this calculator works
The Pomodoro Technique breaks work into short, timed blocks of focused effort separated by short breaks, with a longer break after a set number of blocks. The classic recipe is 25 minutes of work, a 5 minute break, and a 15 to 30 minute break after every fourth block. This calculator rounds the task up to whole pomodoros, because a partial block still costs a full block of your attention, then walks the timeline adding each break. The last pomodoro has no break after it, since the session has ended. The share of the session spent working is useful for judging whether the break pattern you chose leaves enough focus time.
Formula
pomodoros = ceiling(work time / pomodoro length). For pomodoro i starting at time t: it runs from t to t + pomodoro length, and the break after it is the long break when i is a multiple of the cycle count, otherwise the short break, and none after the final pomodoro. Total time = pomodoros x length + every break taken. Share working = (pomodoros x length) / total time.
Worked example
Two hours of work in 25 minute pomodoros needs ceiling(120 / 25) = 5 pomodoros. The first three are followed by 5 minute breaks, the fourth by the 15 minute long break and the fifth by nothing, so the total is 5 x 25 + 3 x 5 + 15 = 155 minutes, about 2.58 hours, with 80.6% of the time spent on the task.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does a 2 hour task need 5 pomodoros rather than 4.8?
Blocks are not divisible, because restarting mid block costs the full block. Rounding up keeps the plan realistic and avoids the temptation to squeeze a few extra minutes out of a break.
Should the long break come after the last pomodoro?
No. The session is over at that point, so the schedule leaves the final break off. If you are continuing with another task, take it before starting the next session.
Can I use longer pomodoros?
Yes. Some tasks need more time to reach flow, and 50 minute blocks with 10 minute breaks are a common variation. Keep the ratio of work to break roughly stable so the breaks still do their job.
What do I do if a pomodoro is interrupted?
The method treats an interruption as a reason to note it and restart the block. The schedule here assumes uninterrupted blocks, so add time yourself for meetings that cannot be declined.