Psychology
How does spaced repetition work?
Spaced repetition works by reviewing information at increasing intervals — just as you're about to forget it. Each well-timed review resets the forgetting curve, so memories last longer with less total study time.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how spaced repetition works.
Step by step
- 1You review material at growing gaps (1 day, 3 days, a week…).
- 2Reviews are timed for just before you'd forget.
- 3Each review strengthens the memory and lengthens the next gap.
- 4It fights the 'forgetting curve' efficiently — less study, better retention.
Frequently asked questions
- What is spaced repetition?
- A technique of reviewing information at increasing intervals to lock it into long-term memory.
- Why does spacing work better than cramming?
- Spreading reviews over time and recalling just before forgetting strengthens memory far more than massed practice.
- What tools use spaced repetition?
- Flashcard apps like Anki and many language-learning apps schedule reviews this way.