How to use the homework time calculator
- List each subject, the minutes each homework session takes, and how many times per week it comes up.
- Enter the homework days per week, which is the number of days you do homework.
- Open the advanced options to add a number of weeks, such as the length of a term, to get a total in hours.
- Read the weekly total, the average per homework day, the subject that takes the most time, and the share each subject takes.
Formula
minutes per week for a subject = minutes each time x times per week
weekly total = sum of the subjects
per homework day = weekly total / homework days
term total = weekly total x weeks
Times are shown as hours and minutes, rounded to the nearest minute. The share of each subject is its minutes divided by the weekly total.
Four subjects
Math takes 30 minutes 4 times a week (120), reading 20 minutes 5 times (100), science 25 minutes 3 times (75) and spelling 10 minutes 4 times (40). The weekly total is 335 minutes, or 5 hours 35 minutes, which is 5.58 hours.
Spread over 5 homework days that is 67 minutes a day, or 1 hour 7 minutes. Math is the biggest share at 35.8%. Over a 10 week term the total is 55.83 hours.
Making a realistic estimate
Time one or two real sessions for each subject rather than guessing, since homework often takes longer than expected at first. Include the time to get started and to pack up, and add breaks if you take them.
If the daily average looks too high, look at which subject has the largest share, because a small change there has the biggest effect.
Related planning tools
To plan study time for college credits, use the study hours calculator. To add up hours and minutes yourself, use the time calculator. To keep track of due dates, use the assignment tracker, and to prepare for a test, the exam study planner.
Assumptions and limits
- Each subject has one regular session length. Sessions of different lengths should be entered as separate rows.
- Times per week are whole numbers from 0 to 50.
- Weeks to total are optional. Without them only the weekly and daily figures are shown.
- Nothing here is a recommendation for how much homework is right for any child or class.
Frequently asked questions
How long should homework take?
This page does not recommend an amount. It adds up the time you or your child actually spend, so you can see the load and talk about it with a teacher if it seems too much or too little.
How is the per-day time worked out?
The weekly total is divided by the number of homework days you enter. If some days have none, use the number of days that do, for example 4.
Can I include weekends?
Yes. Set the homework days per week to 6 or 7 and enter your weekly sessions as usual. The weekly total does not change, only the average per day.
What does the term total show?
It multiplies the weekly total by the number of weeks you enter and shows it in hours. It is useful for seeing the whole term at once.