90/15 Pomodoro

90/15 is a deep-work rhythm: 90 minutes of uninterrupted focus followed by a 15-minute break. It is meant for work that needs a long runway, so skip it for quick tasks.

▶ Start a 90/15 timer

Focus + break: 90 min + 15 min
In 3 hours: 165 min of focus
Best for: Deep work, long projects

What it is

Ninety minutes is a popular length for deep work, often linked to the idea that attention naturally moves in cycles of about 90 minutes. The science on this is debated, so treat it as a rule of thumb. What matters is that you protect one long, uninterrupted block, then rest properly.

How it works

01Clear your desk, silence notifications and decide the single outcome of the block.
02Set the timer for 90 minutes and work on that one thing only. If another idea pops up, write it down and keep going.
03When the bell rings, stop and take 15 minutes away from the screen.
04Repeat, and after a few rounds take a longer break.

When to use it

Deep, demanding work: writing, programming, research, design

Exam preparation and long study sessions

Creative projects that need momentum

Anyone who already focuses well and gets interrupted by short timers

You might prefer it if…

01short timers break your concentration just as it builds
02you can protect an hour and a half without interruptions
03you prefer fewer, longer blocks

Tips for 90/15

Do not start with 90/15 if starting is the hard part; warm up with a short block.

Keep water nearby and take the break seriously; deep work is tiring.

Two focused blocks in a day is already a lot, so do not aim for six.

Compared with other rhythms

90/15 asks the most of you and rewards you with the longest uninterrupted stretch. If it feels like too much, 60/15 or 50/10 are the natural steps down.

Focus + breakIn 3 hoursBest for

15/515 + 5 min135 min focusVery low energy, dreaded tasks

25/525 + 5 min150 min focusGetting started, small tasks

30/530 + 5 min155 min focusReading, emails, light study

30/1030 + 10 min140 min focusMentally heavy tasks, tired eyes

40/1040 + 10 min150 min focusA middle ground for steady work

50/1050 + 10 min150 min focusStudying, writing, steady work

60/1060 + 10 min160 min focusLong reading, coding, long blocks

60/1560 + 15 min150 min focusHeavy tasks that need a real pause

90/1090 + 10 min170 min focusLong uninterrupted flow

90/1590 + 15 min165 min focusDeep work, long projects

Luneia Focus

Play a 90/15 session.

All 90/15 sessions in the Finder

Questions

90/15 Pomodoro, answered.

What is the 90/15 Pomodoro?

A deep-work rhythm: 90 minutes of focus followed by a 15-minute break.

Is 90 minutes too long to focus?

It can be if you are just starting out. Build up to it from 25/5 or 50/10, and use 90/15 only for demanding work.

Why 90 minutes?

It is often linked to the idea that attention moves in cycles of about 90 minutes. The evidence is debated, so treat it as a rule of thumb.

How many 90/15 blocks can I do in a day?

One or two is already a lot. Deep work is tiring, so keep the rest of the day lighter.

Is there a free 90/15 timer?

Yes. Open the free Pomodoro timer with 90/15 selected.

Which Pomodoro rhythm should I use?

Use what feels natural: 25/5 to start, 50/10 for steady study, 90/15 for deep work. See every rhythm.

Keep reading

Guides to go with it

Letters