Methodology

Calculator assumptions

Calculators are built around explicit inputs such as current grade, target grade, final exam weight, drop rate, number of attempts, price, or remaining prize pool values. When a real-world system has hidden rules, curves, pity systems, or incomplete public data, the page should state that the result is only an estimate.

Formula explanations

Each calculator page should explain what the result means in plain English. For probability tools, this often means showing both hit chance and miss chance. For student tools, this means separating planning estimates from official school records.

When a page uses a formula, the explanation should include at least one worked example. Examples make it easier to spot unrealistic inputs, such as a final exam weight entered as 60 instead of 40, a probability entered as 3 instead of 0.03, or a deadline plan that ignores non-working days.

Quality checks before publishing

New calculator and guide pages are checked against a small release list: the page needs one clear H1, a unique title and description, a canonical URL, internal links to related tools or guides, visible limitations, and no misleading ad or download-style controls.

• Inputs should describe their units and expected format.
• Results should say what decision they support.
• Limitations should be visible near the calculator or explanation.
• Related pages should help users continue the same task, not send them to unrelated links.

Content value standard

A page is not considered complete only because it has a calculator form or a link to another tool. Sha Toolbox pages are expected to explain the decision being modeled, show at least one realistic example when possible, and state what can make the result unreliable.

Index pages have a separate standard: they should connect calculators with guide pages, worked examples, selection rules, and review checklists. This keeps category and calculator-index pages useful to readers instead of functioning as thin link directories.

Guide writing

Guides are written around specific decisions: planning a final exam target, comparing random draw risk, using calculators responsibly, or understanding limits. They should include examples, limitations, and links to related tools instead of repeating generic advice.

Privacy by design

Sha Toolbox prefers browser-based tools that do not require account registration for normal calculator use. Tool inputs should be treated as planning values, and users should avoid entering unnecessary personal information.

Updates and corrections

Tool descriptions, formulas, guide pages, and policy pages may be updated when a calculator changes, a limitation becomes clearer, or a reader reports a correction. Corrections that affect user decisions or policy safety are prioritized.

Update dates are used to show when a page was last materially reviewed. Minor copy edits may not change the meaning of a calculator, but formula changes, privacy changes, new examples, and new limitation notes should be treated as material updates.