How many topics should you study per day before an exam?
Short answer: topics left ÷ days left, rounded up — and plan to finish one day early so the last day is for review. With 12 topics and 6 days, that is 12 ÷ 5 = 2.4, so 3 topics a day.
Step by step
- Write the exam syllabus as a list of topics. Split big chapters so each topic is one study session.
- Count the days until the exam by calendar date, not hours.
- Subtract one day for review.
- Divide and round up. That is today's amount.
- Tick topics off as you go and recalculate each day.
Worked examples
- 8 topics, 4 days → 8 ÷ 3 → 3 a day (with a review day).
- 20 topics, 14 days → 20 ÷ 13 → 2 a day.
- 5 topics, 1 day → do the 5, skip the review day, sleep.
When you fall behind
Don't try to "catch up" in one night. Recalculate: the missed topics spread over the days that are left. If the daily number gets too big, drop the lowest-weight topics first.
Examtock does this math for you: add your exam, list the topics, and it shows "8 topics left · 4 days → 2 a day" and updates every time you tick a topic.
FAQ
What if I fall behind?
Recalculate. The pace is just topics left divided by days left, so a missed day spreads over the remaining days instead of piling up on the last one.
Should every topic count the same?
Split big chapters into two or three topics so each one is roughly a session. Then the daily number stays honest.
Should I study on the day before the exam?
Use it for review, not new topics. Plan your pace to finish one day early.