Add time pressure to your quizzes with configurable timers. Set time limits per question or for the entire quiz, with visual countdowns and automatic submission.
Table of Contents
Timer Types
Uplup offers two timer modes for different assessment needs.
Total Quiz Timer
One countdown for the entire quiz. Users manage their own time per question.
Best for: Exams, standardized tests, certificationsUser control: Can skip and return to questionsExample: 30 minutes for 50 questions
Per-Question Timer
Individual time limit for each question. Timer resets when moving to next question.
Best for: Trivia, speed quizzes, game showsUser control: Must answer before time expiresExample: 30 seconds per question
Total Quiz Timer
Enabling Total Timer
Go to quiz Settings
Find “Timer” section
Toggle on “Enable Quiz Timer”
Set the time limit (minutes)
Time Limit Options
Minutes: 1-180 minutesHours: For longer assessmentsCustom: Set hours and minutes
Per-Question Timer
Enabling Per-Question Timer
Go to quiz Settings
Find “Timer” section
Toggle on “Per-Question Timer”
Set default time per question (seconds)
Custom Time Per Question
Override the default time for specific questions:
Select a question in the builder
In right panel, find “Time Limit”
Enter custom seconds for that question
Use longer times for complex questions, shorter for simple ones.
Timer Display Options
Display Styles
Digital countdown: “05:30” remainingCircular progress: Visual ring that depletesProgress bar: Horizontal bar shrinking
Position Options
Top right corner: Standard positionTop left corner: Alternative positionWith progress bar: Integrated displayFloating: Follows scroll
Warning Colors
Timer changes color as time runs low:
Normal: Default color (matches theme)Warning: Yellow/orange when 25% time remainingCritical: Red when 10% time remaining
When Time Expires
Auto-Submit Options
Submit quiz automatically: Submit all answers when time runs outSkip current question: Move to next (per-question timer)Show warning first: Alert before auto-submit
Unanswered Questions
Configure how unanswered questions are scored:
Mark as incorrect: Zero points for unansweredMark as skipped: Excluded from scoring
Timer Best Practices
Calculating Time Limits
General guidelines for setting time:
Multiple choice: 30-60 seconds per questionTrue/False: 15-30 seconds per questionFill-in-blank: 45-90 seconds per questionComplex questions: 2-3 minutes per question
When to Use Timers
Certifications: Standardized time limitsTrivia games: Adds excitement and pressurePrevent cheating: Limits time to look up answersCompetitive quizzes: Speed matters for leaderboards
When to Skip Timers
Learning assessments: Focus on understanding, not speedAccessibility needs: Some users need more timeComplex content: When thoughtful answers matterSurveys: No correct answers to rush
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