| Input / Output | Example Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Biology Unit Test | Separate plans for each subject improve control. |
| Planning Window | 42 days | Leaves final days for rest and exam setup. |
| Difficulty / Confidence | 4 / 2 | Hard content plus low confidence increases review frequency. |
| Target Retention | 85% | Higher retention needs tighter spacing and more repetitions. |
| Sessions Per Week | 18 | Keeps workload spread without last-minute cramming. |
| Interval Pattern | 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 26 | Spacing gradually expands for long-term recall. |
The planner combines workload capacity with spacing intensity. It adjusts frequency using difficulty, confidence, target retention, and selected revision mode.
Intensity Index = Difficulty Factor × Confidence Factor × Retention Factor × Micro Review Factor × Mode Factor Sessions Per Topic = round(2.8 + Intensity Index × 2.2) Total Sessions Needed = Remaining Topics × Sessions Per Topic Daily Capacity = min(floor(Study Minutes ÷ Session Length), Max Sessions Per Day) Required Weekly Sessions = ceil(Total Sessions Needed ÷ Available Weeks) Adjusted Interval Days = round(Base Interval × (1 ÷ Intensity Index))Base intervals use spaced repetition steps (1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30). Harder or lower-confidence content shortens intervals automatically.
- Enter your subject, start date, and exam date.
- Add total topics, completed topics, and your daily study hours.
- Set session length, study days per week, and session cap.
- Rate difficulty and confidence, then choose target retention.
- Select a revision mode and optional micro review boosts.
- Press Generate Revision Plan to see the result above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reporting and sharing.
Planning Horizon and Session Density
The planner converts exam preparation into a measurable schedule by turning dates, available hours, and session length into daily capacity. A forty five day window with two buffer days creates a planning horizon instead of vague intentions. When users enter realistic study hours and session minutes, the tool estimates how many sessions fit each active day. This prevents overloaded plans, improves consistency, and makes revision targets visible on paper before exams begin.
Difficulty Confidence and Retention Effects
Revision frequency should change with subject complexity and learner confidence. The calculator increases intensity when a topic feels difficult, confidence is low, or the target retention percentage is high. This produces more repetitions and shorter spacing intervals for fragile memory. Easier material with stronger confidence receives wider gaps, reducing unnecessary effort. The result is a smarter allocation model that protects performance in weak areas while avoiding burnout on already well mastered topics.
Weekly Capacity and Risk Signals
A strong revision plan balances demand and capacity. The tool compares required weekly sessions with the maximum sessions your current routine can support. If the required number exceeds weekly capacity, the warning signal highlights a scheduling risk early. This helps users adjust study days, session duration, or scope while there is still time. Capacity analysis is valuable for students managing school, work, or coaching because it replaces optimism with clear operational evidence.
Using Output Table for Daily Execution
The generated table translates strategy into actionable dates. Each row lists the study day, planning phase, recommended sessions, total minutes, chapter focus, and the next review gap. Foundation rows build coverage, reinforcement rows repeat important content, and recall rows increase retrieval strength near the exam. Because the plan shows minutes and sessions together, users can prepare time blocks more accurately, track completion faster, and export weekly progress for reporting or mentoring reviews.
Review Governance and Continuous Adjustment
Professional study planning requires review governance, not just a one time schedule. Recalculate the planner whenever exam dates change, chapters are added, or daily availability drops. Weekly check-ins should compare planned sessions versus completed sessions and identify backlog growth. If completion slips, increase study days or reduce session length to protect momentum. This calculator supports disciplined revision management by combining spaced repetition logic, capacity control, and useful measurable progress indicators every week.
1) How often should I regenerate the plan?
Regenerate whenever your exam date changes, your available study hours shift, or topic scope increases. Weekly updates also keep the schedule aligned with actual completion and prevent hidden backlog buildup.
2) What does the intensity index represent?
It summarizes how demanding your revision schedule should be using difficulty, confidence, retention target, revision mode, and micro reviews. Higher values produce tighter spacing and more sessions.
3) Why is there a capacity gap warning?
The warning appears when required weekly sessions exceed your current weekly capacity. It means the plan needs more study time, shorter sessions, fewer topics, or an adjusted retention target.
4) Can I use this for multiple subjects?
Yes. Create one plan per subject, then compare weekly session totals. Subject level planning avoids mixed difficulty assumptions and makes schedule corrections easier during busy weeks.
5) How are spacing intervals chosen?
The planner starts with spaced repetition base intervals and scales them with the intensity index. Harder or low confidence material gets shorter gaps, while stronger topics receive wider intervals.
6) What should I do if I miss sessions?
Do not ignore missed work. Recalculate using updated completion and dates, then increase study days, reduce session length, or change mode to restore a sustainable revision rhythm.