Duration
The estimated time needed to complete a task.
Definition
Duration is the estimated amount of time (in minutes) required to complete a Task. It helps with planning and filtering tasks by available time.
Why Use Duration?
Duration helps you:
- Match tasks to available time: Have 15 minutes? Find quick tasks
- Plan your day: Estimate how much you can accomplish
- Create perspectives: Filter by "Quick Wins" (< 15 min)
- Batch similar tasks: Group tasks by time needed
Setting Duration
- Open a task
- Tap duration field
- Enter estimated minutes
- Save
Common Durations
| Duration | Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 5 min | Quick | Send email, make phone call |
| 15 min | Short | Review document, quick meeting |
| 30 min | Medium | Write report section, brainstorm |
| 1 hour | Long | Deep work session, detailed analysis |
| 2+ hours | Extended | Project work, comprehensive tasks |
Duration-Based Perspectives
Create Perspectives using duration:
⚡ Quick Wins
- Duration: ≤ 15 minutes
- Perfect for: Short breaks, between meetings
🎯 Focus Sessions
- Duration: 45-90 minutes
- Perfect for: Deep work blocks
📞 Quick Calls
- Duration: ≤ 10 minutes
- Perfect for: Batch phone calls
Best Practices
Be Realistic
Estimate actual work time, not ideal time. Add buffer for interruptions.
Round Up
Better to overestimate than underestimate. Round to nearest 5 or 15 minutes.
Track and Adjust
After completing tasks, note if your estimate was accurate. Improve over time.
Don't Over-Use
Not every task needs a duration. Use it when it helps with planning.
Duration vs Time Blocking
| Duration | Time Blocking |
|---|---|
| Estimated time needed | Scheduled time slot |
| Flexible | Fixed schedule |
| Task property | Calendar event |