How to use the Reading Time Calculator
Paste your text and set a reading speed in words per minute. The tool counts the words and divides by your speed.
Worked example
A 1,500 word article at 250 words per minute takes about 6 minutes to read. At a slower 200 words per minute it takes 7.5 minutes. Many blogs show this estimate at the top of each post so readers know what they are committing to before they start.
Reading time versus speaking time
People speak much more slowly than they read, usually around 130 to 150 words per minute. The same 1,500 words would take 10 to 11.5 minutes as a talk. Set the speed to 140 to time a speech, a podcast script or a presentation instead.
The formula
reading time = word count ÷ words per minute
Examples
- A short text at 225 wpm
Word count: 8 Estimated reading time: < 1 minute
Limitations and assumptions
Actual reading speed varies by reader and content complexity.
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time worked out?
Word count divided by words per minute.
What is the average reading speed?
Roughly 200 to 250 words per minute for silent reading of ordinary text.
Does it work for speaking time?
Use about 130 words per minute for a presentation.
Can I count words only?
Use the word counter.