A time management technique invented by Francesco Cirillo some time in the 1980s. The technique requires that the user works on a task for 25 minutes at a time before having a five minute break. Every fourth break should be longer, up to 20 minutes. This strict structure of time management is said to increase productivity and mental focus.

An important part of the technique is using a physical timer and recording successful 25 minute segments. Completing the physical acts of setting the timer or noting something on paper helps the user to enter into a working or relaxed state of mind.

The name comes from the Italian word for 'tomato', as Cirillo used a tomato shaped kitchen timer when he was developing the technique.