An hourglass is the oldest visual timer there is. The sand level in the top bulb drops and the pile in the bottom bulb grows, so you can see at a glance both how much time has passed and how much is left. This one stretches to any length you set, from a few seconds to several hours, rather than being tied to a single glass.
In stopwatch and clock modes the glass becomes a one-minute sand timer that refills every minute, which is useful for pacing short activities. Press Start, and a thin stream of sand runs down the middle while the timer is running and pauses when you stop.
Where it's useful
- A visual timer for kids, classes and games
- A calm countdown for meditation, tea or a short break
- A themed timer for a board game night
- Showing how much time is left without watching digits
Three ways to use it
- Countdown — counts down from any time you set, sounds at zero, then counts overtime.
- Stopwatch — counts up with laps; press Lap while it runs.
- Clock — the time of day in your time zone or any city, in 12- or 24-hour form.
Every face runs entirely in your browser, remembers your settings on this device, and can be embedded on your own page.
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Questions
How long is the hourglass?
Whatever you set. The sand always runs out exactly when the countdown reaches zero.
Does it flip over at the end?
No. When the sand is all in the bottom the alarm sounds; press Reset to start again.
Does it work as a regular clock?
In clock mode the glass tracks the seconds, filling over each minute.