Planner inputs
Example data table
Use this as a reference for sensible settings before generating your plan.
| Subject | Priority | Difficulty | Confidence | Target Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Physics | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| English | 3 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
Formula used
- needFactor = (6 − confidence) ÷ 5 (confidence 5 → 0.2, confidence 1 → 1.0)
- weight = priority × difficulty × needFactor
- allocatedMinutes = targetMinutes + remainingMinutes × (weight ÷ totalWeight)
- sessions = round(allocatedMinutes ÷ sessionMinutes)
- If review spacing is enabled, the planner tries reviews at +1, +3, and +7 days.
How to use this calculator
- Pick a start date and end date for your revision window.
- Set daily study hours, session length, breaks, and max sessions.
- Add each subject with priority, difficulty, and confidence scores.
- Optionally set target hours to guarantee minimum time.
- Press Generate revision plan to see results above.
- Download your plan as CSV or PDF for offline tracking.
Revision time supply and demand
This planner converts your date range into a fixed supply of study sessions. Supply equals studyDays × sessionsPerDay, where sessionsPerDay respects your daily hours and your maximum cap. Demand is created by each subject’s priority, difficulty, and confidence scores. When demand exceeds supply, the tool concentrates sessions on higher weighted subjects, so the plan stays realistic rather than overbooked. For example, a 14-day window with 2 hours daily, 45-minute sessions, and a six-session cap yields 28 sessions and 1,260 study minutes. If weekends are excluded, the same window often drops to 20 sessions. Adding one buffer day preserves flexibility without reducing core coverage. Raise daily hours or shorten sessions to increase capacity.
Weighting logic for fair allocation
Allocation uses a simple, explainable weight model. Priority reflects exam impact, difficulty reflects effort per topic, and confidence reduces time when you already feel prepared. The need factor is (6 − confidence) ÷ 5, producing 0.2 to 1.0. Weight equals priority × difficulty × needFactor, and each subject’s share is weight ÷ totalWeight.
Targets and minimum guarantees
Target hours act as minimum guarantees. If you enter target hours, the planner allocates those minutes first, then distributes remaining minutes by weights. This is useful for compulsory syllabus coverage, lab work, or an assignment-heavy subject. If targets consume all available time, weighted distribution is skipped, and the schedule reflects only guaranteed commitments.
Spaced review cycles for retention
When spaced reviews are enabled, the schedule attempts a retention-friendly pattern: a core session followed by reviews around +1, +3, and +7 days, with an optional +14 day checkpoint when the window is long enough. Reviews are labeled in the output so you can keep them lighter than core sessions, focusing on recall, mistakes, and quick drills.
Practical interpretation of the output
Use the daily schedule as a checklist, not a rigid contract. If you miss a session, move it into a buffer day or swap it with a lower priority block. Keep breaks consistent to avoid fatigue, and adjust session length if focus drops. Exporting to CSV supports spreadsheet tracking, while the PDF is ideal for printing and pinning near your desk.
FAQs
How does the planner decide which subject gets more time?
It calculates a weight from priority, difficulty, and confidence. Higher priority or difficulty increases weight, while higher confidence reduces it. The schedule distributes remaining sessions in proportion to each subject’s weight.
What should I enter for confidence if I am unsure?
Use a middle value like 3. After one week, update confidence based on quiz scores or error rates. The planner will automatically shift time toward subjects that still feel weak.
Do target hours override the weighting system?
Targets act as minimum guarantees. The planner allocates target minutes first, then divides leftover time using weights. If targets consume all available time, the plan reflects only those guaranteed allocations.
What does the buffer days setting do?
Buffer days reserve the final days of the range for catch-up, light review, or rest. They reduce planned study days, which lowers total sessions, but helps prevent schedule collapse after a missed day.
How are spaced reviews placed in the calendar?
With review spacing enabled, the planner tries a core session and then review sessions about 1, 3, and 7 days later, adding a 14-day checkpoint when possible. Reviews are labeled so you can keep them shorter and focused.
Can I edit the schedule after downloading?
Yes. The CSV export opens in spreadsheet apps for sorting, filtering, and adding completion notes. The PDF export is best for printing or sharing, and you can regenerate a revised plan anytime by changing inputs.