Hourglass Timer
Free online hourglass timer with visual sand animation. Pick a duration below and watch the sand flow. Perfect for board games, meditation, presentations, and study sessions.
About hourglass timers
Hourglass timers have been used for centuries to measure time. The gentle flow of sand from the upper chamber to the lower chamber creates a meditative, calming visual that helps you stay focused without the anxiety of a ticking clock. Our digital hourglass timer recreates this timeless experience in your browser.
Unlike traditional countdown timers, hourglass timers provide a softer sense of passing time. They are ideal for situations where you want an approximate measure — board game turns, speech practice, classroom transitions, or meditation sessions — without the pressure of watching exact seconds tick away.
Frequently asked questions
Why use an hourglass timer?
Hourglass timers provide a gentle, visual way to track time without the stress of watching numbers count down. The flowing sand animation is calming and meditative, making it ideal for focus sessions, board games, and any activity where a softer sense of time is preferred.
Can I use this for board games?
Absolutely. Our hourglass timer is perfect for timing turns in chess, Scrabble, Pictionary, Boggle, and other board games. Choose from 1 to 60 minute durations. The visual sand animation makes it easy for all players to see how much time remains.
What happens when time runs out?
When all the sand has flowed to the bottom, an alarm sound plays to let you know time is up. The sound works even if the browser tab is in the background. You can then reset the timer to start again.