People use the phrase “20 rule for studying” in different ways. There is no single official rule, but three popular ideas involve the number 20. Each can help, as long as you adapt it to your own needs.
1. Short Study Blocks of About 20 Minutes
Some students study in focused blocks of around 20 minutes followed by a short break. This is similar to the Pomodoro Technique, which traditionally uses 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute break, with a longer break after four rounds.
Why it can help: short, timed blocks make it easier to start, reduce the urge to check your phone, and give your attention regular rests.
How to use it:
- Choose one small task (for example, “answer 10 maths questions”).
- Set a timer for 20–25 minutes and work with no distractions.
- Take a 5-minute break: stand up, stretch, drink water.
- After about four blocks, take a longer break.
Break length matters: a 20-minute break after every 20 minutes of study would halve your study time, so most students use much shorter breaks. Once you are focused, it is fine to keep going longer.
2. The 20-20-20 Rule for Your Eyes
When you study on a screen, eye-care professionals often recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a rest and can reduce digital eye strain.
3. The 80/20 Principle
The Pareto principle suggests that a large share of results often comes from a small share of effort. For studying, it means focusing first on the topics that matter most: the core concepts, frequently tested areas and your weakest topics.
Use it carefully: it is a rough guideline, not a law, and skipping whole topics before an exam is risky.
Combine Them With Proven Techniques
- Active recall: test yourself instead of rereading.
- Spaced repetition: review material over several days.
- Sleep: memory consolidation depends on it.
Read more in the best study methods and memory-boosting strategies.
