Free tool
Karate belt calculator
Estimate how long your next karate grading and your shodan (1st dan) will take, based on your current kyu and how often you train.
No sign-up. Your numbers stay in your browser.
Your estimate
Timeline
- 9th kyu3 months
- 8th kyu6 months
- 7th kyu9 months
- 6th kyu1 year 1 month
- 5th kyu1 year 5 months
- 4th kyu1 year 10 months
- 3rd kyu2 years 4 months
- 2nd kyu2 years 10 months
- 1st kyu3 years 7 months
- Shodan (1st dan)4 years 7 months
Results are planning estimates, not professional, financial or federation advice.
How to use it
- 01
Choose your current kyu
Pick your grade and how long you have held it.
- 02
Set your training frequency
Choose how many sessions you train each week.
- 03
Read your timeline
See the estimated time to each kyu and to shodan.
Kyu grades across styles
Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu and Kyokushin all count kyu grades down to 1st kyu before black belt, but they use between eight and ten kyu and different colours. The calculator uses a ten-kyu ladder; if your style starts at 9th or 8th kyu, simply start from your grade.
How the estimate works
Junior kyu grades often come every three to four months; senior brown-belt grades can take six to twelve months each. At three sessions a week, the typical total is about four to five years to shodan, adjusted for your training frequency.
What gradings test
- Kihon: stances, blocks, strikes and kicks.
- Kata: the forms required for your grade.
- Kumite: prearranged and free sparring.
- Attendance and attitude, judged by your sensei.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a black belt in karate?
Commonly 4–5 years for adults training two to three times a week, depending on the style, the school’s grading schedule and minimum ages.
Do all karate styles use the same belt colours?
No. Colours, the number of kyu grades and minimum times vary between styles and associations. The kyu numbers count down to black belt in all of them.
What comes after black belt?
Dan grades count up from shodan (1st dan). Each higher dan usually requires several years at the previous one.
Run the academy, not the spreadsheet.
MatSync handles schedules, bookings, attendance, belt progress and payments in one place, with a member app for iOS and Android.