Education & Grades

Study Hours Calculator (Credit Hours to Weekly Study Time)

Enter your credit hours and how much study you plan per credit to see your weekly workload.

By TheCalcTools Updated Formula checked and tested

Your numbers

The U.S. federal definition assumes at least 2 hours of outside work per credit

Your results

Study outside class (hours per week)
Study outside class (hours per week)
—
In class (hours per week)
—
Total weekly commitment
—
Study per day (7 days)
—
Study hours over the term
—
Load
—

Study Hours Calculator (Credit Hours to Weekly Study Time) by TheCalcTools

How the Study Hours Calculator (Credit Hours to Weekly Study Time) works

In the U.S., a credit hour is defined as about one hour of classroom instruction and at least two hours of out-of-class work each week for a semester (34 CFR 600.2). A 15-credit term therefore implies about 45 hours a week.

Lab, studio and project-heavy courses often need more. Add any job or other fixed commitments to see whether the week is realistic.

The formula

Weekly study = credits × hours per credit; total = study + class + other commitments

Worked example

Using the default values shown in the calculator:

Credit hours this term15
Out-of-class hours per credit per week2
Class hours per credit per week1
Work or other fixed commitments (hours per week)10
Weeks in the term15
  1. 15 credits × 2 hours = 30 hours of study a week, plus 15 in class.
  2. With a 10-hour job: 55 hours a week (Heavy: consider fewer credits or hours).

Result:

Study outside class (hours per week)30.0
In class (hours per week)15.0
Total weekly commitment55.0
Study per day (7 days)4.3
Study hours over the term450
LoadHeavy: consider fewer credits or hours

Frequently asked questions

Is 2 hours per credit a rule?

It is the federal minimum used to define a credit hour. Hard courses may need 3 or more.

Sources and further reading

Pomodoro Calculator (Sessions, Breaks and Finish Time)Enter your total focus time and Pomodoro settings to plan the session Attendance Calculator (75% Rule: Classes to Attend or Skip)Enter classes held and attended and the required percentage to plan the rest of the term GPA CalculatorEnter your course grades and credit hours to calculate your semester GPA, and add… Sleep CalculatorGo to bed at a time that lets you wake at the end of a sleep cycle Typing Speed Calculator (WPM and Accuracy)Enter characters typed, uncorrected errors and the time taken to get your WPM College Cost Calculator (Future Tuition and Savings Needed)Enter today's yearly cost, years until college and expected cost growth to plan your…

More in Education & Grades · All calculators

This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.