Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long a text takes to read or say aloud from its word count.
238 wpm is a typical adult reading non-fiction silently.
130 wpm suits a clear presentation.
Reading time
0 sec
- Word count
- 0
- Speaking time
- 0 sec
Paste your text or type a word count and get an estimated reading time, along with the time it would take to read aloud. You can change the words-per-minute speed to suit your readers.
The estimate is the same one used for the “min read” label on articles, which is a useful expectation-setter but only an average.
How reading time calculator works
The tool divides the word count by a reading speed. The default is 238 words per minute, taken from a widely cited review of silent reading speed for adults on non-fiction. Fiction is read a little faster, and technical or unfamiliar material is read more slowly.
Reading aloud is slower. The default is 130 words per minute, and presentations with pauses and slides often run slower still.
The formula
Minutes = words ÷ words per minute
Seconds = (words ÷ words per minute) × 60Worked example: three lengths
800 words at 238 wpm: 3.4 minutes, shown as 3 minutes.
2,500 words: 10.5 minutes, so about 11 minutes.
A 5-minute talk at 130 wpm is about 650 words.
When to use this tool
- Adding a reading time to a blog post or newsletter.
- Planning a speech to fit a time slot.
- Choosing how long a piece of writing should be for a target audience.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying one speed to every reader and every type of text.
- Ignoring images, tables and code blocks, which take time that word counts miss.
- Using silent-reading speed for a spoken presentation.
Frequently asked questions
- How many words per minute do people read?
- A large review put adult silent reading of non-fiction at about 238 words per minute. Individual speeds vary widely.
- How many words should a 5-minute speech be?
- About 650 at 130 words per minute, and less if you plan to pause or show slides.
- How do I change the speed?
- Edit the words-per-minute field. Lower it for complex text and raise it for light reading.
Learn more
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Results are for information only and are not financial, legal or medical advice. The calculation logic is covered by automated tests, and examples on this page are worked out and re-checked before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.