Dating Theory Calculator
Calculate optimal stopping strategy for dating using optimal stopping theory. Find the best strategy to maximize your chances of finding the best partner.
Optimal: ~37% (1/e)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter total number of dating options you expect.
- Enter rejection percentage (default 37% is optimal).
- The calculator displays how many to reject and the strategy.
- Use this to understand optimal stopping theory for dating decisions.
Optimal Stopping Formula
The optimal strategy uses the "secretary problem" solution:
Reject Count = floor(Total Options × Rejection %)
Strategy: Reject first N options, then pick first better option
Success Probability ≈ 1/e ≈ 37% (for large n)
Example: 10 options, 37% rejection: Reject first 3-4, then pick first better option. This maximizes your chance of finding the best option. The 37% rule (1/e) is optimal for large numbers. For smaller numbers, optimal percentage varies slightly.
Full Description
The Dating Theory Calculator applies optimal stopping theory (the "secretary problem") to dating decisions. The theory states that to maximize your chance of finding the best partner, you should reject the first 37% (1/e) of options, then pick the first option that\'s better than all previous ones. This strategy gives you about a 37% chance of finding the best option—much better than random selection.
The 37% rule comes from 1/e ≈ 0.368, where e is Euler\'s number. This is mathematically optimal for large numbers. However, real dating has limitations: You may not know total options, people aren\'t easily rankable, relationships are complex, and you can\'t always "reject and move on." The theory provides a framework for thinking about dating decisions, but use it as a guide, not a strict rule. For smaller numbers (n < 10), the optimal percentage varies slightly.
This calculator helps you understand optimal stopping theory. Enter total options and rejection percentage, and it calculates the strategy and success probability. Use it to explore dating theory, understand optimal stopping, or think about decision-making. Remember, dating is complex—this is a mathematical model, not a guarantee!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is optimal stopping theory?
Optimal stopping theory is a mathematical approach to decision-making when you must choose from a sequence of options without going back. The "secretary problem" shows that rejecting the first 37% (1/e) of options, then picking the first better option, maximizes your chance of finding the best option. This applies to dating, hiring, and other selection problems.
Why 37%?
37% comes from 1/e ≈ 0.368, where e is Euler's number. This is the optimal rejection percentage that maximizes your chance of finding the best option. For large numbers, rejecting the first 37% and then picking the first better option gives you about a 37% chance of finding the best option—much better than random selection.
Does this actually work for dating?
The theory is mathematically sound but has limitations in real dating: You may not know total options, people aren't rankable, relationships are complex, and you can't always "reject and move on." However, it provides a framework for thinking about dating decisions and when to commit. Use it as a guide, not a strict rule.
What if I have fewer options?
For small numbers (n < 10), the optimal percentage varies. For n=3: reject first 1 (33%), n=5: reject first 2 (40%), n=10: reject first 3-4 (30-40%). The 37% rule works best for larger numbers. The calculator lets you adjust the rejection percentage for your situation.