The Pomodoro Technique™

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pomodoro Technique™?

The Pomodoro Technique™ is a time management method. For many of us time is an enemy. The anxiety triggered by “the ticking clock” and deadlines to be met leads to ineffective work and study habits and procrastination. The Pomodoro Technique™ transforms time into a valuable ally.

When was the Pomodoro Technique™ created?

Francesco Cirillo created the Pomodoro Technique™ in 1980s after a long search to improve his own study habits. Starting in the late '90s the technique was embraced by professional teams. It can help us accomplish what we want to do and chart continuous improvement in the way we do it.

How did the Pomodoro Technique™ get its name?

When Pomodoro Technique™ creator Francesco Cirillo was a university student in Rome struggling to stay on task, he decided to challenge his powers of concentration using what he had at hand - a kitchen timer in the shape of a tomato. That was the first Pomodoro. (Tomato in Italian). Bright red, iconic, and charmingly low-tech, it's the perfect invitation for getting things done.

How long will it take me to learn the Pomodoro Technique™?

One of the best things about the Pomodoro Technique™ is how quick and easy it is to get started. The The Pomodoro Technique™ book contains everything you need to know and includes sample worksheets too. A cursory reading takes about one pomodoro (25 minutes), a more in-depth study perhaps two. You will probably begin to notice a difference in your work or study process within a day or two. True mastery of the technique takes from seven to twenty days of constant use.

What do I do when phone calls interrupt my Pomodoro?

Read all about how to deal with interruptions in the The Pomodoro Technique™ book, including "Protecting the Pomodoro", "Voiding the Pomodoro", and keeping track of interrupted Pomodoros.

Can the Pomodoro Technique™ be used in Teams?

The Pomodoro Technique™ has a long history of use in Teams. Francesco Cirillo is currently writing a book on his years of experience using the Technique in team working contexts.

What kind of things can I use the Pomodoro Technique™ for?

The Pomodoro Technique™ has been used successfully by many different kinds of people doing all sorts of activities: from software developers to schoolchildren; from university students to lawyers and executives; whether organizing events, doing project management or getting homework done on time.

I can't find a Pomodoro timer anywhere... how can I get one?

Try a kitchen supply shop. We know that they aren't easy to find in some areas. That's why we put together the Pomodoro Kit. Our Pomodoro Kit contains our special 25-minute pomodoro timer, a T-Shirt, pencil and paper pad, all with the Pomodoro Technique™ logo.

What will it cost me to learn and use the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique™ is free. All you need is to read the free book. A kitchen timer will get you started.

Why did you decide to make "The Pomodoro Technique™" e-book available for free download?

Pomodoro Technique™ creator Francesco Cirillo loves solutions where all sides come out winners: "I wanted everyone to be able to learn the technique quickly and easily with no barriers to access". It's a book that's "agile", simple and complete; no courses to take, no coaches or consultants needed, no fees to pay, no waiting period. "Our decision to put to book online to for free has favored a spontaneous process: the diffusion and promotion of the Technique has been fed by the success of users personal results". The Pomodoro Technique™ is also available as a printed volume for sale at Lulu.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

I would like to learn the Pomodoro Technique™ directly from his creator. Is there workshop with Francesco Cirillo?

The official Pomodoro Technique Workshop is organized by agilemethods.eu. Here is the schedule and program of upcoming workshops.

Can I translate The Pomodoro Technique™ into another language?

We are very happy to have Pomodoro fans around the world, but keeping the quality of The Pomodoro Technique™ consistent is very important to us. That is why we do not authorize translations of the Pomodoro Technique, nor are we currently accepting translation proposals.

Is the Pomodoro Technique™ copyrighted?

The Pomodoro Technique™ book is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. The Pomodoro Technique™ and its logo are registered trademarks of Francesco Cirillo. Use of the trademark is prohibited without explicit authorization.

Why did you trademark the Pomodoro Technique™?

We decided to trademark the technique to avoid exploitation of our brand for commercial purposes.

I have an idea for an Pomodoro application/timer...

We are always happy to see people take an active interest in our technique. It's important that your software respects our trademark (name and logo) and copyright - see above. When your software is complete, present it to us through the Google Timer Group and we will add it to our list of Pomodoro Software.

Who is the Pomodoro Team?

The Pomodoro Team is group of professionals who work together with Francesco Cirillo. We are committed to promoting the Pomodoro Technique™ around the world. The website, social networks, and Pomodoro Kits are just some of our enthusiastic initiatives on behalf of the Pomodoro Technique™.