Training Time Estimator
Our ai & ml tool computes training time accurately. Enter your inputs for detailed analysis and optimization tips. Get results you can export or share.
Formula
Training Time = 6 × Parameters × Dataset Tokens / (GPU TFLOPS × Num GPUs × MFU)
The factor 6 accounts for forward pass (2N FLOPs per token) and backward pass (4N FLOPs per token). MFU (Model FLOPs Utilization) is typically 30-50% of theoretical peak. Multi-GPU scaling efficiency decreases with GPU count due to communication overhead.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Training 7B Model on 1T Tokens
Problem: Estimate training time and cost for a 7B parameter model on 1 trillion tokens using 64× H100 GPUs.
Solution: Total FLOPs = 6 × 7×10⁹ × 1×10¹² = 4.2×10²² FLOPs\nH100 compute = 989 TFLOPS × 64 GPUs × 0.40 MFU = 25,319 TFLOPS\nTime = 4.2×10²² / (25,319×10¹²) = 1.66×10⁶ seconds ≈ 19.2 days\nGPU hours = 19.2 × 24 × 64 = 29,491 hours\nCost at $2.50/hr = $73,728
Result: ~19 days | 29,491 GPU hours | ~$74K (before scaling overhead)
Example 2: Fine-tuning 13B Model
Problem: Fine-tune a 13B model on 10 billion tokens using 8× A100 80GB GPUs.
Solution: Total FLOPs = 6 × 13×10⁹ × 10×10⁹ = 7.8×10²⁰ FLOPs\nA100 compute = 312 TFLOPS × 8 × 0.40 = 998.4 TFLOPS\nTime = 7.8×10²⁰ / (998.4×10¹²) = 781,250 seconds ≈ 9 days\nCost = 9 × 24 × 8 × $1.60 = $2,765
Result: ~9 days | ~$2,800 (realistic for a fine-tuning run)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is LLM training time estimated?
Training time is estimated using the formula: Time = 6NDP / (GPU_FLOPS × num_GPUs × MFU), where N is model parameters, D is dataset tokens, P is number of passes (epochs). The factor 6 accounts for forward and backward pass FLOPs. MFU (Model FLOPs Utilization) typically ranges from 30-50%, representing the fraction of theoretical GPU performance achieved in practice. Communication overhead between GPUs further reduces effective throughput at scale.
How do heart rate training zones work?
Training zones are percentages of maximum heart rate (estimated as 220 minus age). Zone 1 (50-60%) is recovery, Zone 2 (60-70%) builds endurance, Zone 3 (70-80%) improves aerobic capacity, Zone 4 (80-90%) increases threshold, and Zone 5 (90-100%) is maximal effort.
What is progressive overload in strength training?
Progressive overload means gradually increasing the stress placed on muscles to force adaptation and growth. Increase weight by 2.5-5% when you can complete all prescribed reps with good form. Other variables include adding reps, sets, or reducing rest periods.
How should I time nutrition around sports and exercise?
Eat a balanced meal 2-3 hours before exercise or a light snack 30-60 minutes before. During exercise over 60 minutes, consume 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour. Within 30 minutes post-workout, eat protein (20-40g) and carbohydrates for optimal recovery.
What is a good marathon finishing time for beginners?
The average marathon finish time is about 4 hours 30 minutes. A sub-4-hour marathon is a common first goal. Most training plans require 12-20 weeks of preparation with a base of 15-20 miles per week. Running 3-5 days per week with one long run is typical.
How do I get the most accurate result?
Enter values as precisely as possible using the correct units for each field. Check that you have selected the right unit (e.g. kilograms vs pounds, meters vs feet) before calculating. Rounding inputs early can reduce output precision.