Forgetting Curve Visualizer
See Your Memory Fading - Know Exactly When to Review
You learned something yesterday. When will you forget it? This tool shows your memory decaying in real-time and predicts the perfect moment to review before it's gone.
What Did You Learn?
Tell us what you learned and when. We'll visualize your memory decay using the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve.
How Memory Actually Works
You Learn Something
Day 1: You understand 80-100% of the material. Everything makes sense.
Memory Decays Fast
Day 3: You remember only 40-60%. Day 7: Down to 20-30%. The curve is steep.
Review Reverses It
Each review boosts memory 30%+ and slows future decay. Time it right = remember forever.
The Science: Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
Hermann Ebbinghaus (1885) discovered that humans forget information exponentially after learning it. Without review, you lose:
- 50% within 1 hour (if not immediately reviewed)
- 70% within 24 hours
- 90% within a week
But here's the magic: Reviewing at the right time (when memory hits 40-50%) dramatically slows future decay.
This tool uses the Ebbinghaus formula to show you that exact moment - review too early and you waste time, too late and you've already forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does hard material decay faster?
Hard concepts require more cognitive processing. When something is difficult, your brain didn't fully encode it the first time, so the memory is weaker and fades faster. Easy material sticks better because you understood it deeply initially.
How accurate is this prediction?
The curve is based on Ebbinghaus research averaged across thousands of people. Your personal curve may vary ±20% based on sleep, stress, nutrition, and how well you understood the material initially. Use this as a guide, not gospel.
What if I already forgot it?
If memory strength is below 20%, you'll need to re-learn from scratch. Don't try to "review" - you won't remember enough. Treat it like learning new material, then use this tool to track your second learning session.
How does this differ from the Spaced Repetition Planner?
Spaced Repetition Planner is for exam prep - it schedules future reviews leading up to a test. Forgetting Curve Visualizer is for ongoing knowledge - track individual topics you learned anytime and see their decay in real-time. Use both together!