What the ratio controls
The ratio determines how much break time you earn per minute of work. A ratio of 1:3 means you earn one minute of break for every three minutes of work. A ratio of 1:2 means one minute for every two — more generous. A ratio of 1:6 means one for every six — more austere.
The ratio doesn’t limit how long you work or how long you rest. It only controls the rate at which break time accumulates in your bank.
The five options
| Ratio | Example | Break earned |
|---|---|---|
| 1:2 | Work 30 min | 15 min |
| 1:3 | Work 30 min | 10 min |
| 1:4 | Work 60 min | 15 min |
| 1:5 | Work 60 min | 12 min |
| 1:6 | Work 30 min | 5 min |
1:3 is the default for new users. The two work styles set the ratio automatically:
- Sprint starts at 1:6 — long focus blocks, short breaks
- Restore starts at 1:2 — more frequent, generous breaks
Choosing a ratio
There’s no objectively correct ratio. A few considerations:
Higher ratio (1:2, 1:3) — Earns break faster. Better if you need frequent recovery, if your work is mentally taxing, or if you’re new to tracking your time.
Lower ratio (1:5, 1:6) — Earns break more slowly. Better if you naturally work in long uninterrupted blocks and rarely feel the need to stop.
1:3 or 1:4 — A middle ground that works well for most knowledge work.
Your Insights screen shows your break balance over time, which can tell you whether you’re consistently over-earning or under-using your break. That’s a useful signal for adjusting.
Changing your ratio
You can change your ratio at any time in Settings → Break Ratio.
If you change the ratio while a session is in progress, the app asks what to do with the break time you’ve already earned in the current work segment:
- Keep what you earned — banks the work segment at the old ratio before switching
- Recalculate — applies the new ratio to the entire current segment retroactively
Work from previous segments in the same session is unaffected either way.
FAQ
Does changing the ratio affect my saved break balance?
No. Your existing bank balance doesn’t change. The new ratio only applies to work you do going forward.
What ratio should I start with?
1:3 is a sensible default. Give it a week, then check your Insights. If your break balance consistently goes unused, try 1:4 or 1:5. If you feel like you never have enough break, try 1:2.
Can I use a custom ratio not on the list?
Not currently. The five options cover a range from generous to demanding.