Study load calculator
How many hours should I study per credit?
Estimate weekly study time from credit hours using 2 or 3 hours of study per credit hour. Works for college and community college loads.
Weekly study load
How the study load calculator works
A common college rule is 2 to 3 hours of study for each credit hour, plus class time roughly equal to the credits. This study time per credit hour calculator estimates that weekly load for college or community college. It is not a page-by-page study plan and not a work-study aid tool.
How to use the calculator
- Enter credit hours for the term.
- Choose 2 or 3 study hours per credit.
- Calculate weekly study time.
- Add class time if you want a combined load.
Worked example
15 credit hours at 3 hours of study per credit is 45 study hours a week. Class time of about 15 hours makes a combined load of 60 hours.
Understanding your result
Use 2 hours per credit for a lighter estimate and 3 for a heavier one. 15 credits at 3 hours per credit is 45 study hours a week. For a book you need to finish before a test, use the study calculator instead.