Visual TimerShow one countdown on the classroom screen so students can check the time remaining while they work. Explain the task and what happens at the end before you press Start.
Switch to the bomb or sand timer style for games and clean-up races, or the progress bar for tests. Press F for full screen; the timer scales to fill the projector.
How to add a timer to Google Sites
Use an embedded timer for a class website; share a timer link in Google Classroom; use a link, video or extension for Google Slides. These are different workflows. An iframe embed code belongs in a website, not in a Slides text box.
- On this page, scroll to Add this classroom timer to your website and click Copy code.
- In the Google Sites editor on a computer, choose Insert → Embed → Embed code.
- Paste the code, choose Next, then Insert. Resize the block so the timer’s buttons are visible.
- Publish the site and check the published page. Click Start inside the embed; visitors control their own timer, rather than sharing one synchronized countdown.
These editor steps follow Google’s official guide to embedding website content and code. The timer provides an iframe with fullscreen permission, but a host website or school policy can restrict it. If it is blocked or clipped, use a direct classroom timer link instead. We have not verified these steps inside a school-managed Google Sites account.
Sharing is not embedding
The Share to Google Classroom button shares a link with the selected duration. Each person starts their own countdown. For one countdown everyone can see, open the timer on the teacher’s computer and project that screen.
For a timer beside your slide instructions, see the Google Slides timer guide. Before class, follow the sound and background-tab checklist.
By the visualtimer.org team · Instructions and source checked .
Ideas for using it
- Centers and station rotations
- Clean-up and transitions
- Timed tests and quizzes
- Think-pair-share and group work
How to use the timer
- Tap a time (or type your own, like 7, 2:30 or 1h 15m) and press Start.
- Use Full screen on a supported browser to show the timer on a projector, smartboard or TV. Check the actual display before relying on it.
- When the time is up, the timer shows Time’s up! and attempts to play a chime if sound is on. Keep the device awake and test the audio first. Reset prepares another round.
Timers by length
Quick countdowns · up to 2 minutes
Short activities · 3–20 minutes
Longer sessions · 25 minutes and up
Add this classroom timer to your website
Teachers can put it on a class website or Google Sites page: paste this free, ad-free embed code into a page that allows iframes. Full screen also depends on the host page and browser allowing it. Check the preview and adjust the iframe height in your site editor if it is clipped; test the published page before an activity.
More timers
Countdowns
Frequently asked questions
Which timer style works best in class?
Try a pie for a shrinking shape, a progress bar for a horizontal display or sand for an hourglass. Show the options to your group and choose a display that suits the activity; preferences vary.
Can students see it from the back of the room?
Fullscreen can enlarge the timer on a supported browser. Check visibility from the actual seats before class; screen size, room lighting and projector settings all matter. You can hide the numbers to show only the shrinking shape.