Dating Theory Calculator
Use the 37% rule and optimal stopping theory to find your perfect partner
Your Dating Parameters
How many dates you go on each week
How long you plan to actively date
20% (Above average)
Your Optimal Dating Strategy
The 37% Rule Strategy
Your Strategy:
Phase 1: Date the first 38 people and reject them all (learning phase)
Phase 2: Choose the next person who is better than anyone from Phase 1
Goal: Find one of the top 5
Probability of Ending Up With Top Candidates
Example Scenario
The Classic 37% Rule
Scenario: You plan to date for 1 year, going on 2 dates per week
Total dates: ~104 dates
Strategy: Reject the first 38 dates, then choose the next person better than all previous
Success rate: ~37% chance of finding the absolute best partner
Flexible Approach
Tip: Looking for "top 5" instead of "the best" increases success rate to ~69%
Risk reduction: Lower standards slightly = much higher chance of success
Real-world advice: Perfect is the enemy of good in dating
The 37% Rule
Reject first 37% of candidates to learn your preferences
Choose next person better than all previous ones
Based on mathematical optimal stopping theory
Maximizes probability of finding the best match
Dating Strategy Tips
Learn Phase
Use early dates to understand what you really want
Decision Phase
Have clear criteria for what "better" means to you
Flexibility
Consider "top 5" instead of "perfect" for better odds
Mathematical Foundation
Understanding the Dating Theory
The Secretary Problem
Also known as the optimal stopping problem, this mathematical theory was originally designed to help hire the best secretary from a pool of candidates. The challenge: you must decide immediately after each interview, and you can't go back to previous candidates.
Why 37%?
- •The number 1/e (≈ 0.3679) is mathematically optimal
- •Balances learning vs. decision making
- •Maximizes probability of choosing the best option
Real-World Applications
House Hunting
View 37% of available properties to set standards, then buy the next one that exceeds them.
Job Searching
Interview at several companies to understand the market, then accept the next better offer.
Investment Timing
Observe market patterns before making investment decisions.
Important: This is a mathematical model. Real relationships involve emotions, compatibility, and factors that can't be quantified. Use this as guidance, not gospel!