Planner inputs
The page uses a single-column flow, while the calculator fields switch to three columns on large screens, two on medium, and one on mobile.
Plotly workload graph
This graph compares estimated weekly total hours for each class.
Example data table
| Course | Credits | Weekly Sessions | Hours per Session | Difficulty | Priority | Study Multiplier | Example Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus II | 4 | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | 5 | 2.0 | Mon, Wed, Fri |
| World Literature | 3 | 2 | 1.5 | 3 | 3 | 1.75 | Tue, Thu |
| Computer Science Lab | 4 | 2 | 2.0 | 5 | 5 | 2.5 | Tue, Thu |
Formula used
This calculator estimates academic workload using credit weight, classroom time, difficulty, and self-study assumptions. It is a planning tool, not an official registrar rule.
The planner score helps compare schedule options. Higher scores usually indicate a more sustainable weekly plan.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your semester settings, target credits, and available weekly hours.
- Fill in up to six classes with credits, sessions, duration, and study multiplier.
- Choose difficulty and priority for each class.
- Select class days to estimate campus spread.
- Press Build Planner to calculate the schedule summary.
- Review the score, weekly workload, remaining hours, and recommendations.
- Use CSV or PDF download to save the results.
- Adjust inputs until the plan fits your time and energy.
Frequently asked questions
1. What does the planner score mean?
It is a workload quality score from 0 to 100. Higher values suggest better balance between credits, study time, available hours, and campus scheduling efficiency.
2. Does this calculator require exactly six classes?
No. It supports up to six classes. You can fill only the courses you need, and blank rows are ignored during calculation.
3. How should I choose a study multiplier?
Use a lower value for familiar or lighter courses and a higher value for technical, reading-heavy, or problem-solving classes. Many students start between 1.5 and 2.5.
4. Why are campus days included?
Campus days affect commuting time, routine stability, and fatigue. A schedule with fewer campus days can feel easier even when credit totals stay unchanged.
5. Can I use this for online classes?
Yes. For online courses, add sessions and study time normally. Leave class days empty or assign them only if you follow fixed meeting days.
6. Is the workload estimate academically official?
No. It is a planning estimate based on your assumptions. Universities may use different credit-hour policies, contact-hour rules, or program requirements.
7. What is a good remaining hours value?
A positive value is usually safer. It means your estimated study plan fits within your weekly time budget, leaving room for revision, projects, work, or rest.
8. Should I always maximize credits each term?
Not always. A slightly lighter term may produce stronger grades, better retention, and less burnout, especially when several difficult courses overlap.