How to use 3 Minute Timer
- The timer opens set to three minutes (03:00). Press Start as the tea goes in or the egg goes into boiling water.
- Carry on with something else; the minutes left show in large digits and in the browser tab.
- When the bell rings, take the tea bag out or the egg off the heat, then press Stop sound.
- For boxing or exercise rounds, turn on "Start again when it ends" to run three minutes after three minutes.
Why use 3 Minute Timer
Tea timer
Three minutes is a common steeping time for black tea; add a minute with +1 min for a stronger cup.
Egg timer
A soft boiled egg with a runny yolk takes about three minutes once it is in boiling water; set 6 or more for firmer eggs.
Rounds
Boxing rounds last three minutes; repeat them with the automatic restart.
Pick your alarm
Choose a bell, beep or chime for the 3 minute timer and press Test to check the volume before you start.
About this tool
Three minutes is a kitchen classic: the steeping time on many boxes of black tea, the "three minute egg" with a soft yolk, and the wait on many cups of instant noodles. It is also the length of a professional boxing round, a common rest between sets at the gym, and a short speaking task.
This three minute timer is ready as soon as the page opens, so one tap on Start is all it takes. It keeps exact time from the moment it will end and rings with the sound you pick, even if you switch to another tab while you wait. For other times, tap a quick time or type your own.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I steep black tea?
Most black teas take 3 to 5 minutes; start with three and add time with +1 min if you like it stronger.
How long does a soft boiled egg take?
About three minutes in boiling water for a very runny yolk, five or six for a jammy one. Egg size and fridge-cold eggs change the time a little.
Can I use it as an egg timer on my phone?
Yes. Turn on "Keep the screen on" so the phone does not lock, and the bell rings when the three minutes are up.
Can I pause the 3 minute timer?
Yes. Press Pause to stop the countdown and Start to carry on from where it stopped. Reset puts it back to 3 minutes.
Does the 3 minute timer work on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in any phone browser and press Start. Keep the page open and the sound on, and the alarm rings when the 3 minute is up, even if you switch to another app for a moment.