The 117 second timer might seem like an oddly specific number at first glance, but it can be surprisingly effective. Coming in at 1 minute and 57 seconds, this duration gives you just the right amount of time to complete a task, stretch, or mentally reset. Whether you’re working through your to-do list or waiting on your coffee to brew, a countdown timer set to 117 seconds can be a powerful addition to your daily routine.
Why Use a Timer for 117 Seconds?
The timer for 117 seconds works great for those moments when you need just a little more than a minute, but not quite two. It creates a time boundary that keeps you focused and efficient. When you’re trying to maintain momentum without burning out, a timer this length can do wonders.
- Quick household resets: Use the 117 second timer to tidy a room, wipe surfaces, or fold laundry. It’s a manageable time chunk that makes cleaning feel less like a chore, especially paired with a speed cleaning timer.
- Focused study sprints: Too long, and your mind wanders. Too short, and you don’t quite settle in. This timer is perfect for bursts of memorization or language practice. You can even try it with a language learning timer.
- Stretch sessions: Use a timer tool like this to guide a full-body stretch without checking the clock. Combined with a stretching routine timer, it’s perfect for staying limber between tasks.
One 117 Second Timer Can Do a Lot
Sometimes we underestimate what can be done in under two minutes. But with a 117 second timer, even small moments become structured opportunities to focus, move, or reset. These microbursts of effort add up over the course of a day, making it easier to stay organized and productive.
Fun Fact About 117 Seconds
In 117 seconds, a cheetah, the fastest land animal, could theoretically run about 2.3 miles (3.6 km) at a top speed of around 70 mph, though real cheetahs can only hold that pace for a few hundred meters. That’s a lot of distance in a short time. If that doesn’t show how much can be done in under two minutes, nothing does!
The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” lasts just about 2 minutes and 5 seconds. The 117 second timer is just 8 seconds shorter than that.
Try These Other Timers
If you love using short timers to stay on task or build habits, here are some other great options to explore:
Short durations like 117 seconds are perfect for squeezing a little structure into your day. Whether you’re managing time, boosting productivity, or simply staying organized, this timer gives your moments the value they deserve.
Plan Your 117 Seconds
Numbers that help you use the 117 second timer in practice, all calculated for exactly 1 minute and 57 seconds.
Countdown Milestones
- A quarter done: after 29 seconds, with 1 minute and 28 seconds remaining.
- Halfway point: after 59 seconds, with 59 seconds remaining.
- Three quarters done: after 1 minute and 28 seconds, with 29 seconds remaining.
- Last 10 percent: after 1 minute and 45 seconds, with 12 seconds remaining.
Speakers, teachers and exam supervisors often give a warning at the 75 % or 90 % mark. Add a second timer for the warning if you want an extra alarm.
Intervals That Fit Into 117 Seconds
- Tabata-style 20/10: 3 rounds of 20 seconds work and 10 seconds rest.
- 30/30 intervals: 1 rounds of 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off.
Calories Burned in 117 Seconds
Estimated energy use for common activities, calculated with MET values from the Compendium of Physical Activities (kcal = MET × body weight in kg × hours). Real values vary with fitness, age and intensity.
| Activity | 60 kg (132 lb) | 80 kg (176 lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Walking (4.8 km/h · 3 mph) | 6.8 kcal | 9.1 kcal |
| Brisk walking (5.6 km/h · 3.5 mph) | 8.4 kcal | 11 kcal |
| Jogging, general | 14 kcal | 18 kcal |
| Running (9.7 km/h · 6 mph) | 19 kcal | 25 kcal |
| Cycling, moderate (19-22 km/h) | 16 kcal | 21 kcal |
| Swimming laps, moderate | 11 kcal | 15 kcal |
| Jumping rope, moderate | 23 kcal | 31 kcal |
| Hatha yoga | 4.9 kcal | 6.5 kcal |
How Far You Get in 117 Seconds
Distance covered at typical average speeds without stops:
| Way of moving | Speed | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | 5 km/h | 163 m (178 yd) |
| Running | 10 km/h | 325 m (355 yd) |
| Cycling | 20 km/h | 650 m (711 yd) |
117 Seconds Compared With Real-World Durations
- 01:30: The association for true Neapolitan pizza specifies a baking time of only 60 to 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven at around 430 to 480 °C. (27 seconds shorter than this timer)
- 01:41: David Rudisha ran the 800 m world record of 1:40.91 at the 2012 Olympics in London. (16.09 seconds shorter than this timer)
- 02:00: Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address of 1863 has only about 270 words and took roughly two minutes to deliver. (3 seconds longer than this timer)
- 02:00: Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. (3 seconds longer than this timer)
- 02:05: The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” lasts just about 2 minutes and 5 seconds. (8 seconds longer than this timer)