A debate timer with repeatable rounds

Debate formats are strict: constructives, rebuttals, cross-examination, prep time, each with its own clock. The timing should be the least contested thing in the room.

Type the speech length

“8 min” for a constructive. “3 min” for cross-ex. “4” for a rebuttal. Type the time, press Return, and the speech clock is running. Switching between speech lengths is a line of typing, not a settings screen.

Everyone sees the same clock

Show the countdown full screen or large on a shared display so both teams and the judges watch the same number. No disputes about whose phone was right.

A clear, neutral signal at zero

The timer can flash and sound an alarm when time expires. The signal comes from the screen, not from a judge’s call, and it is the same for both sides.

Try the free web timer for a single speech. The Mac app adds the flash, count up, and full screen for the room.

Track prep time by counting down

Each team’s prep bank is just another countdown: type “5 min” when they start using it, pause when they stop. Pause and resume without losing the clock.

Overtime on the record

With count up after zero, a speaker who talks past the signal accumulates visible overtime. The number is on the screen for the whole room.

Classroom debates, tournaments, practice rounds: set the format’s times once, and let the clock be the one thing nobody argues with.