Exam Timer

How to use the exam timer

This exam timer shows the time remaining in large digits, along with the current time, the start time and the finish time, so everyone in the room can see exactly where they stand. It warns at 30, 10 and 5 minutes left, with an optional sound.

1. Type an exam title, such as "Chemistry Unit 4 Test" or "AP Biology Practice Exam".
2. Choose a length: 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes.
3. Add reading time before the exam if your test allows it.
4. Decide whether the 30, 10 and 5 minute warnings should play a sound or only show on screen.
5. Press Start and F for full screen.

For teachers and proctors: projecting an exam clock

Students taking a test shouldn't have to raise their hand to ask how much time is left. Put the exam timer on the projector or classroom display and the answer is always on the board.

• Start and finish times on screen. Students can see "started at 9:05 AM, finishes at 10:35 AM," which is clearer than a countdown alone, especially for anyone who arrives late or steps out.
• Current time. Useful for logging when students leave or hand in their papers.
• Warnings at 30, 10 and 5 minutes. The display changes so you don't need to interrupt the room; turn on the sound if you want an audible cue too, or keep it silent in a quiet testing room.
• Reading time. If your exam starts with a few minutes to read the questions before writing, set it as reading time so it's counted separately before the main exam clock begins.

Before the exam, check that the browser window is large enough to read from the back of the room, and keep the device plugged in. For in-class activities that aren't tests, the classroom timer has presets for group work, reading and clean-up.

For students: timed practice tests at home

Practicing under real time limits is one of the best ways to prepare for a big exam. It shows you whether you need to speed up, where you're spending too long, and how it feels when the clock runs low.

• Set the timer to the same length as the real section you're practicing.
• Put your phone in another room and use the full-screen timer as your only clock.
• When a warning appears, check how many questions are left and adjust your pace.
• When time runs out, stop, even if you're mid-question. Note where you ended up so you can see your progress next time.

Using it as an AP exam timer

AP exams are split into sections, and the timing depends on the subject. Section lengths can also change from year to year. Rather than relying on a number from a random website, check the official College Board exam description for your AP course, then set the timer to match each section. For section lengths that aren't one of the presets, use the custom countdown timer, or run sections one after another and give yourself a short break in between with the break timer.

The same approach works for the SAT, ACT, state tests or a final exam: find the official timing, set the timer, and practice like it's the real thing.

Reliable timing

The timer keeps time against your computer's system clock, so it won't drift if the tab is in the background. The remaining time also shows in the browser tab title. Alarms and warning sounds only play while the page is open, so leave the tab open for the whole exam. It's free, has no ads and needs no sign-up, which means nothing pops up on the projector mid-test.

FAQ

Can I pause the exam timer if there's an interruption?

Yes. Press Pause (or Space) during a fire drill or other interruption, then Resume when students are back in their seats.

Can I turn off the warning sounds?

Yes. The 30, 10 and 5 minute warnings always show on screen, and the sound is optional. You can also mute the end-of-exam alarm.

What exam lengths does the timer support?

Presets cover 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes, plus optional reading time before the start. For other lengths, use the custom countdown timer.