Reading Time Calculator
Paste any text to see how long it takes to read silently or aloud, based on word count and your chosen reading speed. Runs entirely in your browser.
Reading time
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How it's worked out
Reading time is simply the word count divided by your reading speed:
minutes = words ÷ words-per-minute
Average adult silent reading is around 238 words per minute for English prose; reading aloud or presenting is slower, nearer 130 wpm. Pick the speed that matches your audience. Nothing you paste leaves your browser.
What this does
A reading time calculator shows how long any text takes to read silently or aloud, based on word count and your chosen reading speed.
How to use it
- Paste your text.
- Pick a reading speed.
- Read the silent time.
- See the read-aloud time.
How it works
Average adult silent reading is about 238 wpm; reading aloud is slower, near 130 wpm. Use the speaking speed when planning a talk or script.
minutes = words ÷ words-per-minute
Understanding your result
The figure depends entirely on the speed you choose, so use the silent rate for articles a reader skims and the slower speaking rate when planning a talk or script. It is a planning aid, not a promise: dense or technical material runs slower, so pad the estimate when the stakes or the subject are heavy.
Example
A 1,000-word article reads in about 4 minutes silently.
Sources & methodology
Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
The word count is divided by a words-per-minute speed. Average adult silent reading is around 238 wpm; reading aloud is slower, nearer 130 wpm.
What reading speed should I use?
Use the average for general prose, slow for dense or technical material, and the speaking speed when planning a talk or video script.
Is my text uploaded?
No. The word count and timing are worked out entirely in your browser.
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