How Long Will It Really Take?
A time-to-fluency calculator adjusted for the languages you already speak
Pick the language you speak, the language you're learning, your current level, and how many hours a week you can study. We'll estimate how many hours -- and roughly how many months -- it takes to reach your next milestone.
No login required. Takes under a minute.
Most fluency estimates assume you're starting from English with no related languages behind you. If your native language is close to your target -- Romanian and Italian, or Ukrainian and Polish -- you'll get there dramatically faster than a generic estimate assumes. We use real linguistic-distance data instead of a single flat number for everyone.
How it works
- Choose the language you already speak.
- Choose the language you want to learn, and your current level (from complete beginner to advanced).
- Tell us how many hours a week you can realistically study.
- Get an estimated number of hours and months to your next level -- plus how your pace compares to a few real-world learning intensities.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my native language matter?
Because it changes everything. A Ukrainian speaker learning Polish starts with a huge head start a native English speaker doesn't have -- shared vocabulary, similar grammar, familiar sounds. We calculate from real linguistic-distance data for your specific pair, not a generic English-speaker baseline.
Is this estimate exact?
It's a realistic estimate, not a guarantee -- actual results depend on how you study, not just how many hours you log. Treat it as a planning tool, not a promise.
Do I need an account?
No. The calculator is free and works without registering. You can create an account afterward to start reading bilingual stories at your level.
Which languages are supported?
Dozens of native/target language pairs across English, Romanian, Ukrainian, German, Polish, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish.
See your own estimate
It takes less than a minute -- no account required.
Open the Fluency Calculator