How does the SuperMemo SM-2 algorithm schedule review intervals?

The classic SM-2 algorithm schedules initial reviews at 1 day (interval 1) and 6 days (interval 2). Subsequent intervals are calculated by multiplying the previous interval by an Ease Factor (EF), which defaults to 2.5: I(n) = I(n-1) × EF. The Ease Factor increases or decreases based on user recall grades (0 to 5).

What is an 'Anki review avalanche' and how do you prevent it?

A review avalanche occurs when a learner adds too many new cards per day. Because reviews compound over expanding intervals, daily review volume stabilizes at approximately 7 to 10 times the number of daily new cards. Adding 30 new cards daily eventually generates 210 to 300 reviews per day.

How many vocabulary words are needed for conversational fluency (CEFR B2)?

Linguistic research indicates that acquiring 4,000 to 5,000 core lemmas provides approximately 95% text and dialogue comprehension in modern European languages, fulfilling the requirements for CEFR B2 independent conversational fluency.

What is the optimal retention rate to target in spaced repetition systems?

An 85% to 90% retention rate is optimal. Targeting higher retention (such as 95% to 99%) requires an exponential increase in review frequency for marginal gains, dramatically increasing study time and burnout risk without proportionate benefit.

How much daily study time should I budget per flashcard?

Fluent vocabulary recognition takes an average of 8 to 10 seconds per card. At steady-state review load (e.g., 150 daily reviews + 15 new cards), expect to spend approximately 22 to 30 minutes of focused daily study.

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Language Vocabulary Spaced Repetition (SM-2) Pacer & Goal Planner

Name: Language Vocabulary Spaced Repetition (SM-2) Pacer & Goal Planner
Author: AnshuTechy

Forecast Anki flashcard review loads, retention rates, and daily new vocabulary targets using SuperMemo SM-2 interval algorithms for CEFR, HSK, and JLPT exams.Documentation & FAQs ↓

Language Vocabulary Spaced Repetition (SM-2) Pacer & Goal Planner — Interactive Console

Runs locally in your browser • Instant output

Vocabulary Tier Presets

Target Vocabulary Words

Timeline (Months)

Target Retention Rate

Daily New Cards+11 / day

Steady Mature Reviews~79 / day

Daily Study Time~15 mins / day

Target Fluency LevelB1 / B2 (Independent User)

Interactive Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve vs Spaced Repetition (SRS)

Without Review (Rapid Forgetting)SRS Spaced Repetitions (90% Target)

Month 1 Target: 330 words • Month 3 Target: 990 words

Step-by-Step Instructions

4 Steps to Completion

1Phase 1

Choose an exam preset (CEFR, JLPT, HSK) or enter a custom target vocabulary size.

2Phase 2

Set your target deadline date or specify your desired daily new cards quota (e.g., 15 to 25 new cards/day).

3Phase 3

Configure target retention rate (typically 85% to 90%) and average seconds per flashcard response.

4Phase 4

Inspect the projected peak daily review burden, total retention timeline, and estimated daily study minutes.

Practical Use Cases & Real-World Scenarios

JLPT & HSK Exam Preparation

Schedule new card additions across 6-month study blocks to achieve required vocabulary thresholds before exam registration dates.

Medical & Law School Deck Management

Plan Anki flashcard pacing for comprehensive pharmacology, anatomy, and bar exam knowledge retention without overwhelming reviews.

Conversational Foreign Language Fluency

Systematically acquire the top 3,000 high-frequency lemmas of a target language within 12 months with sustainable daily habits.

Language Vocabulary Spaced Repetition (SM-2) Pacer & Goal Planner

Step-by-Step Instructions

Practical Use Cases & Real-World Scenarios

SuperMemo SM-2 Interval Simulation

Review Avalanche Warning System

Official Exam Presets (JLPT, HSK, CEFR)

Daily Study Time & Retention Modeler

Frequently Asked Questions

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