Vocabulary Goal Calculator

Calculate how much vocabulary you need to learn per day to reach your language learning goals in your desired timeline.

How this Calculator Works

Read the full guide: “The Nerdy Way to Set Language Learning Goals“

This calculator is designed to break down how vocabulary you need to add per day to reach your language learning goals.

As a starting point, this calculator uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Note: The point where most people would feel “conversationally fluent” is about a B2 level.

The Math

Total Goal - Current Words Known = Total Additions to Reach Goal

÷

Time to Complete * Grace Period * Ratio = Days of Active Additions

=

Words Needed Per Day

What is the “Active Study Ratio”

You’re not a robot, right?

Then that means you have to plan for rest days (or for days that may not have complete study sessions).

The calculator starts at 80%.

For example, if you want to learn a language in 2 years, 80% of the total days (584 days) will go to active study. 20% of the days (146 days) will go to resting.

In other words, a 4 : 1 ratio (4 days on; 1 day off).

AKA: For every four days you study, you can skip one day and still maintain the goal.

What is the “Grace Period”

You “probably” don’t have a photographic memory, right?

Then that means you need to consider the time to build these words into your vocabulary.

The Grace Period gives you a buffer so you have time to become familiar with new words before the end of your desired goal.

The calculator starts at 75%.

So if the main goal is 2 years, this time we will calculate as though it was 1.5 years.

In this case, it gives us an extra 6 months to practice this vocabulary before the end of our 2 year deadline.