🧠 ANKI · FSRS

Anki FSRS explained: what it changes

Published August 30, 2026 · DeckLearn USA

FSRS is Anki's modern scheduling system. Its job is to estimate memory more accurately and schedule reviews around a chosen level of desired retention.

What FSRS optimizes

It uses your review history to estimate how difficult a card is and how stable the memory has become. The next interval is then chosen to balance retention and workload.

Desired retention matters

A higher target generally means more frequent reviews; a lower target reduces workload but accepts more forgetting.

The scheduler works best when you grade recall honestly. Do not press Hard or Easy just to force a preferred interval.

Review Again, Hard, Good and Easy and how spaced repetition works.

Use Anki with ready-made language content already organised by level.

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Quick check

What usually happens when desired retention is increased?