Academic Credits to Hours Converter: Complete Guide (2025)
Use our credits to hours converter to estimate total study time (contact + self-study). Supports US, ECTS, and UK systems with real workload data.
How Credits Work
- US Semester Credit: 1 credit = 15 contact hours + 30 self-study hours = 45 total hours
- ECTS Credit: 1 ECTS = 25–30 total hours (avg. 27.5)
- UK Credit: 1 credit = 10 notional hours
Conversion Table
| Credits | US Hours | ECTS Hours | UK Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 | 27.5 | 10 |
| 2 | 90 | 55 | 20 |
| 3 | 135 | 82.5 | 30 |
| 4 | 180 | 110 | 40 |
| 6 | 270 | 165 | 60 |
| 15 | 675 | 412.5 | 150 |
Breakdown: Contact vs Self-Study
- US: 1 credit = 1 hr/week class × 15 weeks = 15 hrs + 2 hrs/week self-study × 15 = 30 hrs
- ECTS: 60 ECTS = 1,500–1,800 hours/year
- UK: 120 credits = 1,200 notional hours/year
Full-Time Study Load
- US: 12–15 credits/semester = 540–675 hours
- ECTS: 30 ECTS/semester = 750–900 hours
- UK: 60 credits/year = 600 hours
Step-by-Step Guide
- Select system: US, ECTS, or UK
- Enter credits: e.g., 3.0
- Get total hours: Contact + self-study
Why Use This Converter?
- Accurate workload
- Multi-system support
- Planning tool
- Free & instant
FAQ
How many hours is 1 US credit?
45 hours total (15 contact + 30 self-study).
Are ECTS and US credits the same?
No. 1 ECTS ≈ 1.8–2 US credits.
Can I convert UK to ECTS?
Yes. 2 UK credits = 1 ECTS.
Tips for Students
- Plan 2–3 hours self-study per contact hour
- Use Pomodoro: 25 min study + 5 min break
- Track time with apps like Toggl
- See our ECTS to US Credits converter
Conclusion
Whether you're a freshman or grad student, our credits to hours converter helps you plan effectively. Convert now!
Related: ECTS to US | Final Grade