Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long your text takes to read silently and to speak aloud, from its word count.
What is the Reading Time Calculator?
The Reading Time Calculator estimates how long a piece of writing takes to read, based on its word count and a reading speed you can change. It also shows the speaking time at a steady pace, which helps when planning a talk, a video script or a voiceover. Use it for blog posts, speeches and newsletters.
How to use it
- Paste your text into the box.
- Set the reading speed in words per minute if the default does not suit your readers.
- Read the estimated reading and speaking times.
- Cut or add text until the length suits your purpose.
Reading Time Calculator — FAQ
What reading speed should I use?
The tool starts at 220 words per minute, a common figure for adults reading online. Slower for technical material, faster for light reading.
How is speaking time worked out?
It divides the word count by 130 words per minute, a comfortable speaking pace. Slow down for presentations that need pauses.
Is this exact?
No. People read at different speeds and tables, images and difficult words slow them down. Treat the result as a helpful estimate.