The Bentodoro guide
How to use Bentodoro
Open the timer, choose Classic or Reverse, and press Start. You can try both modes without an account. Here's how the settings work, plus an example of how to plan a review session.
Updated September 5, 2026
How do I start a study session?
Choose a small task before you start. For example, “answer ten inventory valuation questions and check the mistakes” is easier to begin than “review accounting.” Get your notes and questions ready, then open the timer.
- Open the study timer. You can run a timer without an account.
- Choose Classic for a fixed countdown or Reverse to count your work time up. Bentodoro opens in Reverse mode by default.
- Check the timer settings, then press Start. Use Pause for an interruption and Resume when you are ready to continue.
- When the work block ends, note what you finished and what needs more time. Take a break before starting again.
To save your study activity or use subjects, streaks, and the task calendar, sign in first.
Should I use Classic or Reverse mode?
Classic: a countdown
Work counts down from 25 minutes by default. Short breaks are 5 minutes, with a 15-minute long break after four work sessions. You can change these settings.
Use Classic when you want to stop after a set amount of time. If a task takes longer than one session, continue after your break.
Reverse: a count-up timer
Work starts at zero and counts up. You earn a break based on completed work minutes. The default maximum work time is 60 minutes.
Use Reverse when you want to finish a problem before stopping. Press Stop when you're done. If you worked at least five minutes, your earned break starts.
Both modes start with work. In Bentodoro, Reverse means counting up and earning breaks as you go.
How much break time do I earn?
Reverse mode earns breaks in ranges. With the default settings, 20 minutes of work earns a 10-minute break. The full set of default ranges is below.
| Completed work | Earned break |
|---|---|
| Under 5 minutes | No earned break |
| 5-12 minutes | 5 minutes |
| 13-24 minutes | 10 minutes |
| 25-36 minutes | 15 minutes |
| 37-48 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 49-60 minutes | 25 minutes |
You can change the break rewards in Reverse Timer Settings. Changing Max Work Time also changes the work ranges, so use the ranges shown in your settings if you've customized them.
How can I plan my board exam review?
Start with your official exam syllabus or course outline. Bentodoro helps you organize the work, but you'll need your own notes and practice questions.
After signing in, add your subjects and topics to Subject Tracker. Break a large subject into smaller parts. For circuits, that might mean separate topics for circuit laws, network analysis, and practice problems.
Add tasks to Calendar with enough detail to start them later, such as “solve five network analysis problems and check the solutions.” Leave some room in the week for topics that take longer than expected. If you run out of time, reschedule the unfinished work.
Example: two sessions on one topic
In the first session, try a small set of questions without your notes. Take a break. In the second, check your answers and write down why you got each wrong answer. Retry those questions, then make a note of anything you still need to review.
What does my study history tell me?
Your heatmap shows when you studied. Use it to check how much time you spent on your review. To check what you learned, try explaining a topic without notes or answering a new question.
At the end of the week, look at the tasks you finished and the ones still on your list. Give difficult topics more time in the next week. If you keep losing focus during long sessions, try a shorter interval.
Common questions
Do I need an account?
No. You can start the timer without signing in. An account is needed for saved study records, subjects, streaks, and the task calendar.
Can I use it with a PDF or lecture?
Yes. On supported browsers, Mini timer opens the timer in a small Picture-in-Picture window. You can also place a normal Bentodoro window beside your PDF or lecture.
Will the timer keep running if I close the page?
Keep the page open while you study. Closing or reloading it can interrupt your session. Device sleep and background tabs can also affect the timer, depending on your browser.