3 minute timer

Three minutes on the clock

This 3 minute timer loads with 03:00 already set. Click "Start" or press the space bar to begin; after 180 seconds the beeps tell you it is over.

What takes three minutes?

• A very soft-boiled egg. Three minutes in boiling water gives a runny yolk and a white that is only just set. For a large egg, or a firmer white for dipping soldiers, allow a minute or so more.
• A cup of tea. Black tea is usually brewed for 3 to 5 minutes, green tea for 2 to 3. Three minutes suits both.
• Instant noodles. Most pots ask for boiling water and about three minutes with the lid on. Check the label.
• A three-minute talk. In the Three Minute Thesis competition, PhD students explain their research in 180 seconds with a single slide.
• A boxing round. The classic round lasts three minutes with a minute's rest, though some categories box shorter rounds.
• A round of a word game. Several letter games use a three-minute sand timer, which is easy to lose.

Kitchen tips

Start the countdown when the egg goes into the boiling water, not when you switch on the hob. Wet hands? Tap the space bar with a knuckle. Turn the volume up before you walk off: the alarm sounds for roughly fifteen seconds. If you are timing a practice talk, go full screen and place the laptop where you can glance at it without turning your head.

Frequently asked questions

Will it keep time if I open a recipe in another tab?

Yes. The countdown stays accurate in the background and the remaining time appears in the tab title. Just leave the tab open.

How do I get three and a half minutes?

Type 30 into the "Seconds" field under the timer, leaving "Minutes" at 3, then click "Start". The display will read 03:30.