Lesson Plan Timing Calculator
Split a class period across activities.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Practice
- 30 min
- Starter
- 6 min
- Instruction
- 15 min
- Plenary / review
- 9 min
Quick answer
A balanced lesson gives most time to guided and independent practice, not lecture.
Segment minutes = period × segment share
How to use the Lesson Plan Timing Calculator
- 1Enter the length of your lesson.
- 2Set the share for starter, instruction and practice.
- 3The remainder becomes the plenary.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Lesson length60 min
- Starter share10 %
- Instruction share25 %
- Practice share50 %
Results
- Practice30 min
- Starter6 min
- Instruction15 min
- Plenary / review9 min
Frequently asked questions
How long should direct instruction be?
Keep it under 15 minutes for most age groups before switching to practice.
What is a plenary?
A short review at the end where students summarise learning.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.