How to make atomic Anki cards (one fact per card)
An atomic card tests exactly one fact. If you can get the card half right, it isn't atomic. Atomic cards matter in Anki because the scheduler can only rate the whole card: when a card bundles three facts and you forget one, you either fail all three or pass the one you forgot.
Checklist
- One answer. A Q/A back is a short phrase, never a list or a sentence joined with "and".
- One cloze deletion per card. A list of three items becomes three cards, each keeping enough context.
- Keep inseparable pairs together. "Singer and Nicolson" or a range like "20 to 25%" is one answer.
- No trivial cards. If the answer is obvious from the question, delete the card.
- Short context. Keep only the clause that gives the blank its meaning (under about 20 words).
- Cite the source. Keep the line the fact came from, so you can check the card and find it again.
Example
Notes: "small nonpolar molecules (O2, CO2, N2) cross easily". Non-atomic: "Which molecules cross easily? → O2, CO2, N2". Atomic: three cloze cards, one each for O2, CO2 and N2, with the same context.
Notes2Deck applies this checklist automatically and drops any card whose answer isn't in its source line. Try it on your notes, or read cloze vs basic cards.
FAQ
What is an atomic flashcard?
A flashcard that tests exactly one fact, with a single cloze deletion or a short single answer.
Why do atomic cards work better in Anki?
Anki schedules whole cards. One fact per card means each fact gets its own review schedule, so forgotten facts are not hidden behind remembered ones.