# Timeboxing vs time blocking

URL: https://gocutline.com/guides/timeboxing-vs-time-blocking/

Time blocking reserves a slot in your calendar for a kind of work. Timeboxing goes one step further: it fixes how much time a task may take and you stop when the time is up, finished or not. Time blocking plans the week; timeboxing keeps each task from growing to fill the day ([Parkinson's law](https://gocutline.com/glossary/parkinsons-law/)).

## The difference
| | Time blocking | Timeboxing |
|---|---|---|
| What it fixes | When work happens | How long a task may take |
| When the time runs out | Move what is left | Stop and decide: done, extend or drop |
| Best for | A week where important work gets a slot | Tasks that expand (email, polishing, research) |

## Use both
Block "Deep work, 09:00 to 12:00" in the week. Inside it, timebox "Landing page copy, 60 minutes". When the hour is up, stop and judge it.

## In Cutline
A block has a start and an end. Treat the end as a timebox: when it comes, tick it off or move what is left, honestly.

## Questions

**Is timeboxing the same as Pomodoro?**
No. Pomodoro is a fixed 25-minute focus sprint with breaks; a timebox can be any length and limits the whole task.

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Cutline: Cutline is a weekly calendar and planner that turns time blocks into XP, levels and streaks. You plan your week in blocks, tick each one off when it is done, and see your progress on a social feed (the Floor) and a weekly leaderboard (the Arena). Planning and budgeting are free; paid plans add a badge, posting, messaging, shared calendars and lower selling fees, from $9 a month. Pro is free to try for 7 days.
Facts: https://gocutline.com/facts/ · Updated 2026-10-24