50/10 Pomodoro timer: 50 minutes of focus, 10 minutes of break
The 50/10 method is a longer version of the Pomodoro Technique: you work for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. It gives you fewer interruptions than the classic 25/5, which suits deep work.
One click sets the timer to 50/10 and saves it. This is a focus timer in minutes; for 50-second workout intervals, you need an interval timer instead.
Last updated October 2026
How to set up a 50/10 timer
The quickest way: click Start a 50/10 timer. To set it up by hand instead:
- Open the timer and click the settings icon inside the circle.
- Set Pomodoro Duration to 50 and Short Break Duration to 10.
- Set Long Break Duration to the length you want for a bigger rest, for example 20 or 30 minutes.
- Click Save Settings, then Start. Your lengths are saved in this browser, so they are there next time. No account needed.
Auto-loop, the timer icon inside the circle, is on by default: when a session ends, the next one starts by itself. Turn it off if you would rather start each session yourself.
When 50/10 works well
- Writing, coding, design and other work where it takes a while to get into the flow.
- Studying long texts or working through problem sets.
- Days with few meetings, when you can protect a full hour.
If you find it hard to start, or your mind wanders after 20 minutes, the classic 25/5 is often the better choice. Many people start the day with 25/5 and switch to 50/10 once they are warmed up.
50/10 compared with other rhythms
25/5
25 min focus, 5 min break
Tasks that are hard to start, or when your focus drifts
50/10
50 min focus, 10 min break
Deep work once you are warmed up: writing, coding, study
52/17
52 min focus, 17 min break
Steady work where you want longer, fuller breaks
90/20
90 min focus, 20 min break
One long block for a single big task
| Rhythm | Focus | Break | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25/5 | 25 min | 5 min | Tasks that are hard to start, or when your focus drifts |
| 50/10 | 50 min | 10 min | Deep work once you are warmed up: writing, coding, study |
| 52/17 | 52 min | 17 min | Steady work where you want longer, fuller breaks |
| 90/20 | 90 min | 20 min | One long block for a single big task |
52/17 was made popular by a 2014 study of office workers by the time-tracking company DeskTime. All four rhythms can be set in Go PomoTimer, from 1 to 300 minutes.
Tips for a good 50/10 session
- Decide on one task before you press Start, and pick it in the task list so each session counts toward it.
- Use the 10-minute break to move: stand up, get water, look away from the screen.
- Keep notes of stray thoughts and come back to them in the break instead of switching tasks.
- Turn on full-screen focus mode to hide everything except the timer and your tasks.
- Want company? Create a study room after setting 50/10. The room uses your lengths, so everyone follows the same 50/10 rhythm.
Is 50/10 still the Pomodoro Technique?
Not strictly. The Pomodoro Technique, created by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, uses 25-minute sessions. 50/10 keeps its core idea, focused work in fixed blocks with planned breaks, and stretches the blocks for work that needs longer concentration. Use whichever rhythm helps you get the work done. See the FAQ for more on the technique.
Try a 50/10 session now
Free, no ads, and no account needed. One click sets the timer, then press Start.
