Guides
Pomodoro vs time blocking
The Pomodoro Technique and time blocking solve different problems. Time blocking decides when work happens and how long it may take; the Pomodoro Technique helps you stay focused inside that time with 25-minute sprints and short breaks. Most people get the best results by time blocking the day and using Pomodoros inside the hardest blocks.
The difference
| Time blocking | Pomodoro Technique | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | When will I do this? | How do I stay focused right now? |
| Unit | A block on the calendar, 30 min to 3 h | 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break |
| Planned | The day or week before | In the moment |
| Best for | Making sure important work happens | Starting, and staying on task |
When Pomodoro wins
When starting is the problem. A 25-minute sprint is small enough to begin, and the break comes soon.
When time blocking wins
When the problem is that the important work never gets a slot. A Pomodoro does not help if the morning is already full of meetings.
Using both
- Time block the week: deep work Tuesday 09:00 to 12:00.
- Inside the block, run Pomodoros: 25 on, 5 off, a longer break after four.
- Tick the block off when it is done.
Try the free Pomodoro timer, then put the block in your week.
Questions
Is 25 minutes the right length?
It is where the technique started. Many people prefer 50 minutes on and 10 off for deep work. The point is a fixed sprint and a real break.
None
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