Recipe Total Time Calculator
Total time = prep + cook + rest, with a 20% real-world buffer (most recipes underestimate).
Result
Realistic total time
1h 30m
75 min recipe + 20% buffer = 90 min.
- Prep time20 min
- Cook time45 min
- Rest / passive10 min
- Recipe sum75 min
- Buffer20% (+15 min)
- Realistic total90 min (1h 30m)
- Start cooking by90 min before mealtime
Step-by-step
- Sum = 20 + 45 + 10 = 75 min.
- Buffer = 75 × 0.20 = 15 min.
- Total = 75 × 1.20 = 90 min.
How to use this calculator
- Enter recipe's stated prep, cook, rest times.
- Set buffer based on familiarity (familiar: 10%, new: 25%).
- Start cooking that many minutes before meal time.
About this calculator
Recipes are written by people who already know the recipe. Home cooks reading them for the first time consistently take 15-25% longer — measuring, reading mid-cook, peeling unfamiliar vegetables, finding the right pan. For dinner-party planning, multiply published times by 1.2-1.3 to set start time. Rest / passive time (resting cooked meat, dough rising) shouldn't be cut — it's also when you make sides and clean up. Plan back from when you want to eat.
Frequently asked
Recipe writers are skilled cooks with their tools out, ingredients prepped, and full familiarity. First-time cooks always go slower.
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