Preparation is time.
Use a buffer that represents the work between clients: resetting tools, writing notes or getting ready. The example's 15 minutes is a starting input, not advice for your service.
APPOINTMENT BUFFER CALCULATOR
Leave room
between the bookings.
See how many appointments fit when you include the time between them. Turn a working window into a realistic capacity sketch.
Calculate my window ↘Free browser tool · No calendar connection · No signup
A LITTLE SPACE CHANGES THE DAY
09:00–10:00 · Appointment15 minutes · Reset the space10:15–11:15 · Appointment15 minutes · Prepare for the nextIllustration, not a recommended buffer length.ONE SERVICE · ONE WORKING WINDOW
What fits, with breathing room?
appointments fit
occupied time ends
unused at the end
Your example start times
The appointment and required buffer do not fit. Try a longer window or different durations.
WHEN A REAL CLIENT REQUEST ARRIVES
Take the next step
with your actual calendar.
BookingSolved turns selected client requests into proposed Apple Calendar appointments and editable replies. Service presets include durations and buffers; you review changes before approving them.
Explore BookingSolved on the App Store ↗First three completed actions are free; Pro is an optional auto-renewing subscription for unlimited actions. Check the listing for current details. This browser calculator does not access Calendar, contact clients or sync a plan into the app.
THE ARITHMETIC, IN PLAIN SIGHT
Why eight hours is not
eight one-hour bookings.
From 09:00 to 17:00, you have 480 minutes. Six 60-minute appointments and five 15-minute gaps use 435 minutes, ending at 16:15. A seventh appointment would need 510 minutes with its preceding gap, so it does not fit.
Between appointments only:
count = floor((window + buffer) ÷ (appointment + buffer))
Buffer after every appointment:
count = floor(window ÷ (appointment + buffer))
count = floor((window + buffer) ÷ (appointment + buffer))
Buffer after every appointment:
count = floor(window ÷ (appointment + buffer))
“Floor” means round down to a whole appointment. If nothing fits, the count is zero and the entire window remains unused. The calculator applies the same formula to your inputs.
A break is its own block.
A gap after every client is not the same as lunch. Split your available window around fixed breaks to avoid implying that a continuous day is available.
Capacity is not availability.
A tidy sketch still needs checking against the real calendar. Existing appointments and different service lengths can change which times are usable.
Questions before you plan.
Why is there no buffer before the first appointment?
The window is assumed ready for work at its starting time. Reserve initial setup by moving that time forward before calculating.
Can I use different appointment lengths?
Not in one calculation. This simple model repeats one duration. For a mixed day, check each service and its actual calendar position separately.
Is unused time enough for another booking?
Only if the next appointment and any required buffer fit. A remainder is not automatically a usable appointment slot.
Are my inputs stored?
No. This page does not save or send your inputs. Copy the plan before refreshing or leaving.