Spaced Repetition Schedule Planner
Create a simple spaced review plan between your start date and exam (or a fixed time window). This is a planning aid to help you study consistently—not a guarantee of learning outcomes.
Understanding Spaced Repetition Schedule Planning: Essential Techniques for Memory Retention and Long-Term Learning
Spaced repetition is a learning technique based on a simple insight: we remember things better when we review them at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of cramming everything the night before an exam, you spread your reviews over time—first reviewing soon after learning, then waiting longer and longer between each review. For example, learn a concept on Day 1 → Review on Day 2 → Review again on Day 4 → Review on Day 7 → Review on Day 14. Each review strengthens your memory and makes it last longer. Understanding spaced repetition is crucial for students planning their study schedules, improving memory retention, and optimizing long-term learning, as it explains how to schedule reviews, understand memory consolidation, and implement evidence-based learning strategies. Spaced repetition calculations appear in virtually every academic planning protocol and are foundational to understanding memory and learning.
Why spaced repetition works is based on how our brains process memory. Our brains are designed to forget things we don't use. When you review material just as you're about to forget it, your brain strengthens that memory. Over time, the memory becomes more durable, and you need fewer reviews to maintain it. This is called the "spacing effect" and is one of the most robust findings in cognitive psychology. Understanding why spaced repetition works helps you see why it's more effective than cramming and why it leads to better long-term retention.
Key components of spaced repetition schedule planning include: (1) Review intervals—the days after initial learning when reviews should occur (e.g., 1, 3, 7, 14, 21), (2) Difficulty levels—easy, medium, or hard (affects interval spacing), (3) Topic priority—importance ranking (1-5, affects scheduling when capacity is exceeded), (4) Daily capacity—maximum reviews per day (keeps schedule realistic), (5) Coverage percentage—fraction of requested reviews that fit in schedule, (6) Schedule density—average reviews per day (light, moderate, heavy, very heavy), (7) Start and end dates—time window for the schedule. Understanding these components helps you see why each is needed and how they work together.
Review interval patterns vary by difficulty level to optimize memory retention. Easy topics use fewer, more spread-out intervals (1, 4, 9, 16, 25 days) because easier material requires less frequent review. Medium topics use moderate spacing (1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days) for balanced review frequency. Hard topics use more frequent early reviews (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 days) because difficult material needs more reinforcement initially. Understanding interval patterns helps you see how difficulty affects review scheduling and why different patterns are used.
Daily capacity and priority ensure your schedule is realistic and manageable. When daily review capacity is exceeded, lower-priority topics are trimmed from busy days. This keeps your schedule realistic while ensuring your highest-priority material gets reviewed. Setting a realistic daily limit helps you: (a) Actually complete your reviews (consistency beats intensity), (b) Maintain quality attention during each review, (c) Avoid burnout and keep studying sustainable, (d) Have time for new learning, not just review. Understanding daily capacity and priority helps you see how to balance review load and maintain sustainable study habits.
Combining with active recall maximizes the effectiveness of spaced repetition. Spaced repetition works best when combined with active recall—actively testing yourself rather than passively re-reading. Techniques include: (a) Flashcards—cover the answer and try to recall it before checking, (b) Practice problems—solve problems without looking at solutions first, (c) Self-quizzing—write questions for yourself and answer them later, (d) Teaching—explain the concept out loud as if teaching someone else. Understanding active recall helps you see why it enhances spaced repetition and how to implement both techniques together.
This calculator is designed for educational exploration and practice. It helps students master spaced repetition schedule planning by computing review schedules, analyzing coverage, assessing schedule density, and exploring how different parameters affect scheduling. The tool provides step-by-step calculations showing how spaced repetition intervals work. For students preparing for exams, planning study schedules, or understanding memory techniques, mastering spaced repetition is essential—these concepts appear in virtually every academic planning protocol and are fundamental to understanding effective learning. The calculator supports comprehensive analysis (review interval calculation, daily schedule generation, coverage analysis, density assessment), helping students understand all aspects of spaced repetition planning.
Critical disclaimer: This calculator is for educational, homework, and conceptual learning purposes only. It helps you understand spaced repetition scheduling, practice review planning, and explore how different parameters affect schedules. It does NOT provide instructions for actual study strategies, memory training, or learning outcomes, which require proper academic planning, instructor consultation, and adherence to best practices. Never use this tool to determine actual study strategies, memory training, or learning outcomes without proper academic review and validation. Real-world spaced repetition involves considerations beyond this calculator's scope: adaptive algorithms (like Anki or SuperMemo), individual memory differences, material-specific optimal intervals, performance-based adjustments, and wellbeing factors. Use this tool to learn the theory—consult your instructor and academic advisor for practical applications. Always prioritize your health—sustainable habits beat intense bursts.
Understanding the Basics of Spaced Repetition Schedule Planning
What Is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review material at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of cramming, you space out your reviews—reviewing soon after learning, then waiting longer each time. This helps transfer information into long-term memory more effectively than massed practice (cramming). Understanding spaced repetition helps you see why it's more effective than cramming and how to implement it.
What Are Review Intervals?
Review intervals are the days after initial learning when reviews should occur. Easy topics use intervals: 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 days (fewer, more spread out). Medium topics use: 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 days (moderate spacing). Hard topics use: 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 days (more frequent early reviews). Understanding review intervals helps you see how difficulty affects review scheduling and why different patterns are used.
What Is Daily Capacity?
Daily capacity is the maximum number of reviews you can realistically complete per day. When daily capacity is exceeded, lower-priority topics are trimmed from busy days. Setting a realistic daily limit helps you maintain consistency, avoid burnout, and keep studying sustainable. Understanding daily capacity helps you see how to balance review load and maintain sustainable study habits.
What Is Priority?
Priority (1-5, with 5 being highest) determines which topics get scheduled first when daily capacity is exceeded. Higher-priority topics are kept, lower-priority topics are trimmed from busy days. Use priority to ensure your most important material gets reviewed. Understanding priority helps you see how to ensure important topics are reviewed even when capacity is limited.
What Is Coverage Percentage?
Coverage percentage shows what fraction of the originally requested reviews fit into your schedule given your daily capacity limit. 100% means all reviews fit. Lower coverage means some lower-priority reviews were dropped on busy days. To improve coverage, increase your daily limit or start earlier. Understanding coverage helps you see how well your schedule accommodates all requested reviews.
What Is Schedule Density?
Schedule density describes your average daily workload: "Light" (≤5 reviews/day), "Moderate" (6-10/day), "Heavy" (11-20/day), "Very Heavy" (>20/day). Lighter schedules are more sustainable; heavier schedules may lead to burnout. Choose a pace that fits your life. Understanding schedule density helps you see whether your schedule is sustainable and manageable.
What Is Active Recall?
Active recall is actively testing yourself rather than passively re-reading. Techniques include flashcards, practice problems, self-quizzing, and teaching. Spaced repetition works best when combined with active recall. Understanding active recall helps you see why it enhances spaced repetition and how to implement both techniques together.
How to Use the Spaced Repetition Schedule Planner
This interactive tool helps you create spaced repetition schedules by computing review intervals, analyzing coverage, assessing schedule density, and exploring how different parameters affect scheduling. Here's a comprehensive guide to using each feature:
Step 1: Select Schedule Mode
Choose your planning approach:
Mode
Select "By Exam Date" if you have a specific exam date, or "By Duration" if you want a fixed number of days. This determines how the schedule window is calculated.
Step 2: Set Date Range
Define your schedule window:
Start Date
Enter the date you want to start your spaced repetition schedule (e.g., today's date or when you begin studying).
Exam Date (By Exam Date mode)
Enter your exam date. The schedule will span from start date to exam date.
Total Days (By Duration mode)
Enter the number of days for your schedule (1-365). The schedule will span this many days from the start date.
Step 3: Set Daily Capacity
Define your realistic daily limit:
Max Reviews Per Day
Enter the maximum number of reviews you can realistically complete per day (1-100). When capacity is exceeded, lower-priority topics are trimmed. Set a realistic limit to maintain consistency and avoid burnout.
Step 4: Add Topics
Enter your study topics with difficulty and priority:
Topic Information
For each topic, enter: (a) Topic name, (b) Difficulty (Easy, Medium, Hard—affects review intervals), (c) Priority (1-5, with 5 being highest—affects scheduling when capacity is exceeded), (d) Total items (optional—number of items to review). Click "Add Topic" to add more topics.
Step 5: Generate and Review Schedule
Click "Generate Schedule" to create your spaced repetition plan:
View Results
The calculator shows: (a) Start and end dates, (b) Total days, (c) Total topics, (d) Total planned reviews, (e) Total requested reviews, (f) Average reviews per day, (g) Coverage percentage, (h) Schedule density label, (i) Day-by-day schedule table, (j) Timeline chart, (k) Explanation summary.
Example: 3 topics (Easy, Medium, Hard), 10 reviews/day max, 30 days
Input: Topics = 3, Max/Day = 10, Days = 30
Output: Easy intervals = 1,4,9,16,25; Medium = 1,3,7,14,21; Hard = 1,2,4,7,14,21; Coverage = 100%, Density = Moderate
Explanation: Calculator computes review intervals for each topic based on difficulty, schedules reviews on appropriate days, applies daily capacity limits, trims lower-priority topics when needed, calculates coverage and density, generates day-by-day schedule.
Tips for Effective Use
- Set realistic daily capacity—base on your actual schedule and capacity, not ideal scenarios.
- Use appropriate difficulty levels—assess each topic's difficulty accurately to get correct intervals.
- Set priorities wisely—ensure important topics have higher priority (4-5) so they're not trimmed.
- Start early—more time allows better coverage and more sustainable pacing.
- Combine with active recall—use flashcards, practice problems, or self-quizzing during reviews.
- Be flexible—the schedule is a guide, not a strict requirement. Adapt to your life.
- All calculations are for educational understanding, not actual study strategies.
Formulas and Mathematical Logic Behind Spaced Repetition Scheduling
Understanding the mathematics empowers you to understand spaced repetition scheduling on exams, verify calculator results, and build intuition about memory and learning.
1. Review Interval Patterns by Difficulty
Intervals = Pre-defined patterns based on difficulty
Where:
Easy: [1, 4, 9, 16, 25] days (fewer, more spread out)
Medium: [1, 3, 7, 14, 21] days (moderate spacing)
Hard: [1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21] days (more frequent early reviews)
Key insight: Review intervals are pre-defined based on difficulty level. Easier material needs fewer, more spread-out reviews. Harder material needs more frequent early reviews. Understanding this helps you see how difficulty affects review scheduling.
2. Review Day Calculation
Review Day = Start Date + Interval Days
Where Interval Days = days after initial learning (from interval pattern)
Example: Start = Day 0, Interval = 3 → Review Day = Day 3
This gives the day when each review should occur
3. Daily Capacity Trimming
If Reviews on Day > Max Reviews Per Day:
Sort by priority (descending), Keep top N reviews (N = Max Reviews Per Day), Trim remaining lower-priority reviews
Example: Day has 15 reviews, Max = 10 → Keep top 10 by priority, Trim bottom 5
4. Coverage Percentage Formula
Coverage = (Total Planned Reviews / Total Requested Reviews) × 100%
This shows what fraction of requested reviews fit in schedule
Example: Planned = 80, Requested = 100 → Coverage = (80/100) × 100 = 80%
5. Average Reviews Per Day Formula
Average Reviews/Day = Total Planned Reviews / Total Days
This gives the average daily workload
Example: Planned = 300, Days = 30 → Average = 300/30 = 10 reviews/day
6. Schedule Density Label Assignment
Density based on average reviews per day:
≤ 5: "Light", 6-10: "Moderate", 11-20: "Heavy", > 20: "Very Heavy"
Example: Average = 8 reviews/day → Density = "Moderate"
7. Worked Example: Complete Schedule Generation
Given: 1 Easy topic, 1 Medium topic, Start = Day 0, Max/Day = 10, Days = 30
Find: Review schedule, Coverage, Density
Step 1: Calculate Review Intervals
Easy topic: Intervals = [1, 4, 9, 16, 25]
Medium topic: Intervals = [1, 3, 7, 14, 21]
Step 2: Schedule Reviews
Easy: Day 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 (5 reviews)
Medium: Day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 (5 reviews)
Step 3: Check Daily Capacity
Day 1: 2 reviews (Easy + Medium) ≤ 10 → Both kept
Day 3: 1 review (Medium) ≤ 10 → Kept
All days within capacity
Step 4: Calculate Coverage
Total Requested = 10, Total Planned = 10 → Coverage = (10/10) × 100 = 100%
Step 5: Calculate Density
Average = 10/30 ≈ 0.33 reviews/day → Density = "Light"
Practical Applications and Use Cases
Understanding spaced repetition scheduling is essential for students across academic planning and memory techniques coursework. Here are detailed student-focused scenarios (all conceptual, not actual study strategies):
1. Homework Problem: Create Review Schedule
Scenario: Your psychology homework asks: "Create a spaced repetition schedule for 5 topics over 30 days." Use the calculator: enter topics with difficulty and priority, set daily capacity, generate schedule. The calculator shows: Review intervals for each topic, day-by-day schedule, coverage = 100%, density = Moderate. You learn: how to use spaced repetition to create review schedules. The calculator helps you check your work and understand each step.
2. Exam Preparation: Plan Review Schedule
Scenario: You want to plan reviews for an exam in 4 weeks. Use the calculator: enter exam date, add topics with difficulty and priority, set daily capacity. The calculator shows: Review schedule spanning to exam date, coverage analysis, density assessment. Understanding this helps explain how to plan reviews for exams. The calculator makes this relationship concrete—you see exactly how review intervals create a schedule.
3. Time Management: Assess Schedule Feasibility
Scenario: You want to know if your schedule is realistic. Use the calculator: generate schedule and check density. The calculator shows: Density = "Very Heavy" (>20 reviews/day). This demonstrates how to assess schedule feasibility and adjust capacity or start earlier.
4. Problem Set: Analyze Coverage Impact
Scenario: Problem: "How does daily capacity affect coverage?" Use the calculator: try different daily capacities (keeping topics constant). The calculator shows: Lower capacity = lower coverage (more reviews trimmed), Higher capacity = higher coverage (fewer reviews trimmed). This demonstrates how to analyze coverage impact.
5. Research Context: Understanding Why Spaced Repetition Matters
Scenario: Your cognitive psychology homework asks: "Why is spaced repetition fundamental to memory retention?" Use the calculator: explore different interval patterns. Understanding this helps explain why spaced repetition enhances memory (spacing effect), why it enables long-term retention (memory consolidation), why it supports efficient learning (optimal review timing), and why it's used in applications (academic planning, language learning). The calculator makes this relationship concrete—you see exactly how spaced repetition optimizes memory retention.
Common Mistakes in Spaced Repetition Schedule Planning
Spaced repetition schedule problems involve interval calculations, capacity management, and priority scheduling that are error-prone. Here are the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Setting Unrealistic Daily Capacity
Mistake: Setting daily capacity too high (e.g., 50 reviews/day), leading to burnout and unsustainable schedules.
Why it's wrong: Unrealistic capacity leads to schedules you can't complete, causing stress and burnout. Sustainable capacity (5-15 reviews/day) is more effective than high capacity you can't maintain. For example, setting 50 reviews/day when you can only do 10 (wrong, should set realistic capacity).
Solution: Always set realistic daily capacity based on your actual schedule and capacity. The calculator requires this—use it to reinforce sustainable planning.
2. Using Wrong Difficulty Levels
Mistake: Using wrong difficulty level (e.g., Easy for hard topic), leading to wrong review intervals.
Why it's wrong: Difficulty affects review intervals. Using wrong difficulty gives wrong intervals and suboptimal scheduling. For example, using Easy intervals (1,4,9,16,25) for hard topic (wrong, should use Hard intervals 1,2,4,7,14,21).
Solution: Always assess difficulty accurately: Easy = fewer, spread-out reviews, Hard = more frequent early reviews. The calculator requires this—use it to reinforce correct difficulty assessment.
3. Not Setting Priorities
Mistake: Leaving all topics at default priority (e.g., 3), leading to important topics being trimmed when capacity is exceeded.
Why it's wrong: Priority determines which topics are kept when capacity is exceeded. Not setting priorities means important topics may be trimmed. For example, leaving important topic at priority 3 when capacity is exceeded (wrong, should set priority 5).
Solution: Always set priorities: important topics = 4-5, less important = 1-2. The calculator uses this for trimming—use it to reinforce priority importance.
4. Starting Too Late
Mistake: Starting schedule too close to exam date, leading to low coverage and cramming.
Why it's wrong: Spaced repetition requires time for intervals to work. Starting too late means not enough time for proper spacing, defeating the purpose. For example, starting 1 week before exam (wrong, should start weeks earlier).
Solution: Always start early: more time allows better coverage and proper spacing. The calculator shows coverage—use it to reinforce early start importance.
5. Ignoring Coverage Warnings
Mistake: Accepting low coverage (<80%) without adjusting, leading to incomplete review schedules.
Why it's wrong: Low coverage means many reviews are trimmed, leaving gaps in your review schedule. Not addressing this means important reviews may be missed. For example, accepting 50% coverage (wrong, should increase capacity or start earlier).
Solution: Always check coverage: if <80%, increase daily capacity or start earlier. The calculator shows coverage—use it to reinforce coverage importance.
6. Not Combining with Active Recall
Mistake: Using spaced repetition with passive re-reading instead of active recall, leading to less effective learning.
Why it's wrong: Spaced repetition works best with active recall. Passive re-reading is less effective. Not using active recall reduces the benefits of spaced repetition. For example, just re-reading notes during reviews (wrong, should use flashcards or practice problems).
Solution: Always combine with active recall: flashcards, practice problems, self-quizzing, teaching. The calculator emphasizes this—use it to reinforce active recall importance.
7. Treating Schedule as Rigid Requirement
Mistake: Following schedule too strictly, leading to stress and burnout when life interferes.
Why it's wrong: Schedule is a guide, not a strict requirement. Life happens, and flexibility is important. Treating it as rigid causes stress and may lead to giving up. For example, stressing over missing one day (wrong, should be flexible and get back on track).
Solution: Always remember: schedule is a guide, not a requirement. Consistency over time matters more than perfect adherence. The calculator emphasizes this—use it to reinforce flexibility.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Spaced Repetition Schedule Planning
Once you've mastered basics, these advanced strategies deepen understanding and prepare you for complex spaced repetition planning problems:
1. Understand Why Intervals Increase (Conceptual Insight)
Conceptual insight: Review intervals increase because: (a) Early reviews strengthen initial memory (frequent), (b) Later reviews maintain strengthened memory (less frequent), (c) Memory consolidation makes memories more durable over time, (d) Optimal timing is just before forgetting (spacing effect). Understanding this provides deep insight beyond memorization: increasing intervals optimize memory retention.
2. Recognize Patterns: Difficulty, Intervals, Review Frequency
Quantitative insight: Spaced repetition behavior shows: (a) Easier material = fewer, spread-out reviews (less reinforcement needed), (b) Harder material = more frequent early reviews (more reinforcement needed), (c) More topics = higher daily load (capacity management needed), (d) Higher priority = more likely to be kept (priority matters), (e) More time = better coverage (early start helps). Understanding these patterns helps you predict schedule behavior: easier material = fewer reviews, harder material = more reviews.
3. Master the Systematic Approach: Topics → Intervals → Schedule → Capacity → Coverage → Density
Practical framework: Always follow this order: (1) Add topics with difficulty and priority, (2) Calculate review intervals for each topic, (3) Schedule reviews on appropriate days, (4) Apply daily capacity limits, (5) Trim lower-priority reviews when needed, (6) Calculate coverage and density, (7) Review and adjust schedule. This systematic approach prevents mistakes and ensures you don't skip steps. Understanding this framework builds intuition about spaced repetition planning.
4. Connect Spaced Repetition to Memory Science
Unifying concept: Spaced repetition is fundamental to memory science (spacing effect, forgetting curve), cognitive psychology (memory consolidation, retrieval practice), and learning optimization (efficient study, long-term retention). Understanding spaced repetition helps you see why it enhances memory (spacing effect), why it enables long-term retention (memory consolidation), why it supports efficient learning (optimal review timing), and why it's used in applications (academic planning, language learning). This connection provides context beyond calculations: spaced repetition is essential for modern effective learning.
5. Use Mental Approximations for Quick Estimates
Exam technique: For quick estimates: Easy topic ≈ 5 reviews, Medium topic ≈ 5 reviews, Hard topic ≈ 6 reviews. If 10 topics, total ≈ 50-60 reviews. If 30 days, average ≈ 2 reviews/day. If capacity = 10/day, coverage ≈ 100%. These mental shortcuts help you quickly estimate on multiple-choice exams and check calculator results.
6. Understand Limitations: Fixed Intervals and Real-World Complexity
Advanced consideration: Calculator makes simplifying assumptions: fixed intervals based on difficulty, no performance-based adjustments, simple priority-based trimming, generic difficulty levels. Real-world spaced repetition involves: adaptive algorithms (Anki, SuperMemo), individual memory differences, material-specific optimal intervals, performance-based interval adjustments, subject-specific considerations. Understanding these limitations shows why calculator is a starting point, not a final answer, and why adaptive algorithms or dedicated SRS apps are often needed for accurate work in practice, especially for complex problems or non-standard situations.
7. Appreciate the Relationship Between Consistency and Effectiveness
Advanced consideration: Spaced repetition effectiveness depends on consistency: (a) Regular reviews = better retention (consistent practice), (b) Missed reviews = reduced effectiveness (gaps in schedule), (c) Sustainable pace = long-term success (avoid burnout), (d) Flexible adherence = realistic success (life happens), (e) Quality reviews = better outcomes (active recall). Understanding this helps you design spaced repetition strategies that use consistency effectively and achieve optimal memory retention while maintaining sustainable study habits.
Limitations & Assumptions
• Fixed Interval Schedules: This planner uses predetermined review intervals based on difficulty levels. Unlike adaptive SRS apps (Anki, SuperMemo), it does not adjust intervals based on your actual recall performance during reviews.
• Generic Difficulty Levels: The easy/medium/hard classifications use generalized interval assumptions. Actual optimal intervals vary significantly by material type, individual memory capacity, and encoding quality.
• Review Quality Not Tracked: The planner counts scheduled reviews but cannot assess review quality. Passive re-reading differs greatly from active recall testing in effectiveness. How you review matters as much as when.
• Individual Memory Differences: People have different baseline memory abilities and forgetting rates. A schedule optimal for one person may be too sparse or too dense for another.
• Material Interdependencies Ignored: The planner treats each topic independently. In reality, some topics build on others, and reviewing foundational material can reinforce related concepts simultaneously.
Important Note: This planner is designed for educational understanding of spaced repetition concepts. For adaptive scheduling that responds to your actual recall performance, consider dedicated SRS applications. Use this planner as a starting point, then adjust based on your personal memory patterns and learning experience.
Sources & References
The spaced repetition scheduling methods used in this calculator are based on established cognitive psychology research and authoritative learning science resources:
- Ebbinghaus, H. (1885/1913). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. — The foundational research on forgetting curves and spaced practice.
- Pashler, H., et al. (2007). "Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning." IES Practice Guide, NCEE 2007-2004. — Evidence-based guidelines on spaced practice.
- Karpicke, J. D., & Roediger, H. L. (2008). "The Critical Importance of Retrieval for Learning." Science, 319(5865), 966-968. — Research on retrieval practice effectiveness.
- Cepeda, N. J., et al. (2006). "Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis." Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354-380. — Meta-analysis of spacing effect.
Note: This planner uses simplified interval models. For adaptive spaced repetition, consider dedicated SRS applications that adjust intervals based on individual performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spaced repetition?
Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you review material at gradually increasing intervals. Instead of cramming, you space out your reviews—reviewing soon after learning, then waiting longer each time. This helps transfer information into long-term memory more effectively than massed practice (cramming). Understanding this helps you see why spaced repetition is more effective than cramming and how to implement it.
How were these review days chosen?
This planner uses simple, pre-defined intervals based on difficulty level. Easy topics: days 1, 4, 9, 16, 25 (fewer, more spread out). Medium: days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 (moderate spacing). Hard: days 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 (more frequent early reviews). These are general guidelines—real optimal intervals vary by person and material. Understanding this helps you see how difficulty affects review intervals and why different patterns are used.
Can I change the schedule after generating it?
Yes! This planner is a suggestion, not a requirement. You can adjust your inputs and regenerate anytime. In practice, adapt the schedule to your life—if a day doesn't work, shift reviews as needed. Consistency over time matters more than hitting every day exactly. Understanding this helps you see why flexibility is important and how to adapt schedules to your life.
How strict do I need to be with this plan?
Not very strict at all. The plan is a guide to help you space your reviews, not a rigid timetable. If you miss a day, don't stress—just pick up where you left off. The goal is sustainable, regular review, not perfect adherence. Life happens! Understanding this helps you see why the schedule is a guide and why consistency over time matters more than perfect adherence.
What does 'coverage percent' mean?
Coverage shows what fraction of the originally requested reviews fit into your schedule given your daily capacity limit. 100% means all reviews fit. Lower coverage means some lower-priority reviews were dropped on busy days. To improve coverage, increase your daily limit or start earlier. Understanding this helps you see how well your schedule accommodates all requested reviews and how to improve coverage.
What do the density labels mean?
Density describes your average daily workload: 'Light' (≤5 reviews/day), 'Moderate' (6-10/day), 'Heavy' (11-20/day), 'Very Heavy' (>20/day). Lighter schedules are more sustainable; heavier schedules may lead to burnout. Choose a pace that fits your life. Understanding this helps you see whether your schedule is sustainable and manageable.
How does priority work?
Priority (1-5, with 5 being highest) determines which topics get scheduled first when daily capacity is exceeded. Higher-priority topics are kept, lower-priority topics are trimmed from busy days. Use priority to ensure your most important material gets reviewed. Understanding this helps you see how to ensure important topics are reviewed even when capacity is limited.
Is this like Anki or SuperMemo?
Not exactly. Anki and SuperMemo are adaptive algorithms that adjust intervals based on your actual performance. This planner uses simple, fixed intervals based on difficulty—it's a planning aid, not a full spaced repetition system. For more sophisticated tracking, consider using a dedicated SRS app. Understanding this helps you see when the calculator is appropriate and when adaptive algorithms may be needed.
Can I use this for any subject?
Yes, spaced repetition works for any material you need to remember: vocabulary, concepts, formulas, facts, procedures, etc. However, the optimal intervals may vary by subject and person. Use this as a starting point and adjust as you learn what works for you. Understanding this helps you see when the calculator is appropriate and when subject-specific considerations may be needed.
What if I have way more topics than days?
If you have many topics and a short time window, coverage will be low. Consider starting earlier, increasing your daily capacity, or focusing on the highest-priority topics. It's better to thoroughly review fewer topics than to superficially touch everything. Understanding this helps you see how to handle situations with many topics and limited time.
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