Free Reading Time Calculator
Paste an article, essay or script to see how long it takes to read and to say out loud.
How it works
- Paste your article, essay, script or speech.
- Read the reading and speaking time — they update as you type.
- Adjust the reading or speaking speed for your audience.
- Copy the "X min read" label for your blog post.
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is the word count divided by a reading speed. By default we use 238 words per minute, the average adult silent reading speed for non-fiction found in a large 2019 review of reading studies.
Why is speaking time longer than reading time?
People speak more slowly than they read silently. Presentations and videos typically run at 120–160 words per minute, so a script takes roughly 50–100% longer to say than to read.
How are Chinese or Japanese texts counted?
Languages written without spaces between words are counted per character, which gives a reasonable estimate for reading time.
Should I round the "min read" label?
Most publishers round up to the next whole minute, so a 3 minute 20 second article shows as "4 min read". That is what the copy button gives you.
How long will your text take to read?
Showing an estimated reading time ("5 min read") helps readers decide to start an article and keeps them engaged. Speakers and video creators also need to know how long a script will run. This calculator gives both estimates as you type.
Reading speeds used
- 238 words per minute — the average adult silent reading speed for non-fiction, based on a 2019 meta-analysis of 190 studies.
- 200 wpm — relaxed reading or technical content.
- 300 wpm — fast readers and skimmable content.
- 150 wpm — a typical conversational speaking pace for talks, podcasts and videos.
Where to use reading time
Add the "min read" label to blog posts and newsletters, check that a speech fits your time slot, plan how much narration a video needs, or make sure an exam passage suits the time allowed.
Estimates, not guarantees
Real reading time depends on the reader, the topic and formatting such as images, code and tables. Treat the result as a helpful guide rather than an exact measurement.