Reading Time Calculator
The Reading Time Calculator turns any text into a reading estimate in minutes and seconds. It uses the number of words in your text divided by the speed you choose — the default reading pace is 200 words per minute, and speaking is slower at 130. Adjust the speed to match your audience or format.
What this means
Reading time is the number of words in a text divided by your reading speed. The default pace of 200 words per minute matches a typical adult reading an online article. Speaking time uses 130 words per minute because reading aloud is slower than reading silently.
How we calculate it
Formula
Reading time = words ÷ reading WPM. Speaking time = words ÷ speaking WPM.Worked example
A 1,000-word article:
- 1Words: 1,000
- 2Reading at 200 WPM: 5 minutes
- 3Speaking at 130 WPM: 7 minutes 42 seconds
Important assumptions
- Default reading speed is 200 words per minute and speaking speed is 130.
- A speed of zero is treated as 1 so the estimate always stays finite.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good reading speed to use?
200 words per minute matches an average adult reading online text. For dense technical material try 150, and for simple content 250.
Why is speaking time longer than reading time?
Reading aloud needs breath, articulation and rhythm, so people typically speak at 120–150 words per minute instead of the 200–250 they read silently.
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