Time a representative task
Choose a short section and define what finishing it means. For example, read one explanation, solve one problem without looking, and check the error. Time all three parts. A reading-speed estimate misses the work of attempting the task and correcting your answer.
Give different chapters different budgets
Group topics by their starting state. A familiar chapter might need two closed-book questions. An unfamiliar one may need a worked example and another independent attempt. Estimate both from the sample, leave a separate block for review, and make a smaller version of each task in case the estimate is too optimistic.
Rebudget after the first session
Write down planned and actual minutes. If a chapter took twice as long, look at the reason before moving everything forward. Missing prerequisites call for a short repair task. Repeated interruptions call for a smaller session. Keep the most assessed outcomes on the schedule when the total no longer fits.
Worked example
You have eight hours for six chapters. Two familiar chapters take 35 minutes each and four harder ones take 75 minutes each, for 370 minutes. Reserve 60 minutes for a mixed practice set and keep 50 minutes open. If the first hard chapter needs 110 minutes, use 35 of those 50 minutes and reduce an optional reading task before touching the practice set.
Before you finish
- Time an attempt and its review as well as the reading.
- Keep a named buffer outside the chapter estimates.
- Reduce lower-priority scope when the budget no longer fits.