How Long Does the Timer in Scattergories Last?

In Scattergories, the basic game rules instruct players to set the included timer to its farthest setting, which is three minutes. The official rule book has suggestions on variations for the game, including a time-challenge game. In the time challenge, players set the timer to one of its other two settings to shorten the allowed time and raise the relative difficulty of the game. Players set the timer by turning a knob to the desired setting.