Tasks 'n Timers
52 minute timer: the 52/17 rule
52 minutes of focus, then a 17-minute break. The timer moves to the break by itself.
Space starts and pausesKeep this tab open to hear the chime
What is the 52/17 rule?
The numbers come from DeskTime, a time-tracking company. In 2014 it looked at its most productive users, the top 10%, and found they tended to work for about 52 minutes and then step away for about 17.
It's worth knowing what that is and isn't. It's an average from one company's users, not a proven rule, and when DeskTime repeated the work with 2021 data the average had moved to 112 minutes of work and 26 of rest. The useful idea is the shape: a long stretch of real focus, then a real break.
How to use it
Press Start and work until the chime. The timer moves on to the 17-minute break by itself, and chimes again when it ends. Take the break away from your screen: the people in the original data were said to spend it walking, talking or reading.
Frequently asked questions
Does the break start by itself?
Yes. At the end of the 52 minutes the timer chimes and starts the 17-minute break. It stops after the break.
Is 52/17 better than Pomodoro?
Neither is proven best. Pomodoro's short blocks make it easier to start. 52/17 gives you longer stretches for work that takes time to get into.
Can I change the lengths?
Not on this page. The 50/10 timer and the Pomodoro timer offer other rhythms.