The fastest way to add a countdown in Notion

Notion does not have a built-in countdown timer widget, but you can create one using a formula that calculates the days, hours, or minutes remaining until a target date. The most practical method is to add a date property to your database, then use a formula block to show how much time is left. The countdown updates automatically each time you open the page.

You can also embed a third-party countdown timer from sites like TimeandDate.com or use a simple text-based approach with a formula that shows "X days until [event]". Which method works best depends on whether you need a visual timer, a simple number, or just a text reminder.

Key Takeaways

  • A formula-based countdown in Notion calculates days remaining by subtracting today's date from your target date, and updates each time you refresh the page.
  • The simplest formula is dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days"), which shows the number of days left until your target date.
  • You can embed a visual countdown timer from external sites like TimeandDate.com, though it requires copying an embed code into a Notion embed block.
  • Countdown formulas work in database properties or standalone formula blocks, and you can customize them to show days, hours, minutes, or a readable sentence.

Creating a formula-based countdown with a date property

Start by creating a new database or opening an existing one in Notion. Add a date property called "Target Date" (or any name you prefer) to store the date you want to count down to. In the same database, create a formula property and name it "Days Until" or "Countdown".

In the formula field, paste this code: dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days"). This formula subtracts today's date from your target date and displays the result as a number. If your target date is 10 days away, it will show 10. When the target date arrives, it will show 0. If the date has passed, it will show a negative number.

To make the countdown more readable, you can modify the formula to show text instead of just a number. Use this formula: dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") + " days until " + prop("Target Date").dateTime("MMM d"). This displays something like "10 days until Jan 15" instead of just the number 10.

Showing hours or minutes instead of days

If you need a countdown that tracks hours or minutes, change the time unit in the formula. Replace "days" with "hours" or "minutes" in the dateBetween function. For example: dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "hours") will show how many hours remain.

For a countdown that displays hours and minutes together, use this formula: floor(dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "hours")) + "h " + floor(dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "minutes") % 60) + "m". This shows something like "5h 30m" remaining. Note that formulas in Notion update when you refresh the page, not in real time, so a minutes-based countdown will only change when you reload.

Embedding a visual countdown timer from an external source

If you want a visual timer that looks like a clock or progress bar, you can embed one from TimeandDate.com. Go to TimeandDate.com/timer, set your countdown details, and look for a "Share" or "Embed" button. Copy the embed code provided.

In your Notion page, create a new embed block by typing /embed and pressing Enter. Paste the embed code into the field. The timer will appear on your page, though it may not update in real time depending on the source. Some embedded timers refresh only when you reload the page, similar to formula-based countdowns.

Using a countdown in a database template

If you manage multiple events or projects in a database, add the countdown formula to your database template so every new entry automatically includes it. Open your database, click the three-dot menu, and select "Edit template". Add a formula property with your countdown formula, and it will appear on every new item you create.

This approach works well for tracking project deadlines, event dates, or personal milestones. Each row in your database will show its own countdown based on the target date in that row. You can sort or filter by the countdown property to see which items are due soonest.

Customizing your countdown display

Notion formulas let you format your countdown in different ways. If you want to show only the countdown when the date is in the future and a message when it has passed, use an if statement: if(dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") > 0, dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") + " days left", "Date has passed").

You can also add emoji or color-coded text to make countdowns more visual. For example: "🚀 " + dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") + " days" adds a rocket emoji before the number. Experiment with different formulas to match your workflow and make the countdown information easier to scan at a glance.

Limitations of Notion countdowns and when to use alternatives

Notion countdowns do not update in real time. A formula or embedded timer only refreshes when you reload the page, so they work best for countdowns measured in days or weeks rather than seconds or minutes. If you need a live countdown that updates every second, you would need to use an external timer tool and check it separately.

Notion also cannot send notifications when a countdown reaches zero. If you need alerts or reminders, set up a separate reminder in your phone's calendar or use a tool like IFTTT to trigger notifications based on a Notion date. For simple visual reference and planning, however, a Notion countdown formula is quick to set up and requires no external tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a countdown that updates automatically without refreshing?

No. Notion formulas only recalculate when you reload the page or the database. For a live countdown that updates every second, you would need to use an external timer tool or embed a real-time countdown from a third-party service. Notion countdowns work best for tracking days or weeks, not seconds or minutes.

What happens to my countdown when the target date passes?

The formula will show a negative number (for example, -5 days). To prevent this, wrap your formula in an if statement that displays a message instead: if(dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") > 0, dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") + " days", "Completed").

Can I use a countdown in a regular page, not a database?

Yes. Create a formula block on any Notion page by typing /formula. You will need to manually enter your target date in the formula itself rather than pulling it from a property. For example: dateBetween(parseDate("2025-12-25"), now(), "days") counts down to December 25, 2025.

How do I show both the countdown and the actual target date on the same line?

Combine them in a single formula: dateBetween(prop("Target Date"), now(), "days") + " days until " + prop("Target Date").dateTime("MMMM d, yyyy"). This displays something like "45 days until January 15, 2025".

Can I get a notification when the countdown reaches zero?

Notion does not send automatic notifications based on formulas. Set a reminder in your phone's calendar on the target date, or use a tool like IFTTT to monitor your Notion database and send you an alert when a date arrives.