Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long text takes to read (and to speak aloud).
"5 min read" badges set reader expectations and measurably improve engagement — but they only help if the estimate is honest. Reading time is a simple function of word count and reading speed: adults read silently at roughly 200–250 words per minute, and speak aloud at about 130.
Paste your text and this tool estimates both the silent reading time and the spoken time, using adjustable speeds. It's built for adding read-time labels to articles, timing a presentation script, or checking whether a speech fits its slot.
How to use Reading Time Calculator
- 1
Paste your text
An article, script or any block of words.
- 2
Read the estimates
Silent reading and speaking time, plus word count.
- 3
Adjust the speed
Tune words-per-minute to your audience.
Features
- Separate reading and speaking estimates
- Adjustable words-per-minute
- Live word count
Frequently asked questions
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using silent-reading speed to time a speech — spoken delivery is much slower.
- Ignoring that images, code blocks and tables add time beyond the word count.
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