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Puzzle Time Estimator

A 1,000-piece puzzle can take an evening or a whole month. Enter the piece count, how tricky the picture is, your puzzle experience and how many people will help. The estimator gives a rough time, how many sessions that is at your usual sitting length and the table space you need, including room for sorting.

How it works

• Pieces per hour for one person: about 100 (new), 150 (a few a year) or 250 (keen)
• Picture multiplies that: easy 1.3, medium 1, hard 0.7, very hard 0.5
• Helpers add speed with diminishing returns: each extra person adds 60% of the one before (people get in each other's way)
• Hours = pieces ÷ team pieces per hour
• Finished size: 500 ≈ 46 × 61 cm, 1,000 ≈ 50 × 70 cm; table space = finished size + 50% for sorting

Three things this tool can't see

• Piece shape. Random-cut and whimsy pieces take longer than standard grid cuts.
• Your mood. Puzzling is meant to be relaxing. Taking breaks often makes the next session faster.
• Lost pieces. Count corners and edges early and keep pets and small children away.

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