Text Tools
Reading Time Calculator
See how long your text takes to read at slow, average and fast speeds.
—Slow reading (150 wpm)
—Average reading (200 wpm)
—Fast reading (250 wpm)
0Words
—Speaking time (150 wpm)
Times update live as you type. Speaking pace assumes about 150 words per minute.
What is the Reading Time Calculator?
This free online tool estimates how long your text takes to read. Paste in an article, newsletter, or script and it instantly shows reading times at three speeds — slow (150 words per minute), average (200 wpm), and fast (250 wpm) — plus your total word count and an estimated speaking time. Everything runs in your browser with no sign-up.
How to use it
- Paste your text into the box — an article, blog draft, speech, or video script.
- Read the three reading-time estimates, which update live as you edit.
- Use the word count to check against briefs and limits.
- For scripts and speeches, use the speaking-time estimate to plan your delivery.
Key features
- Three reading speeds: slow (150 wpm), average (200 wpm), fast (250 wpm).
- Speaking-time estimate at a natural 150 wpm delivery pace.
- Live word count alongside every estimate.
- Smart formatting: seconds for short texts, minutes and seconds for long ones.
- Private by design: no uploads, no tracking.
Real-world use cases
Bloggers label posts with “X min read” to set reader expectations. Speakers time conference talks and wedding speeches. YouTubers estimate video length from scripts. Newsletter writers keep issues within a promised reading time.
Practical tips
- Use the slow estimate for technical or dense material — readers slow down on complex topics.
- Spoken delivery is slower than silent reading, so always use speaking time for scripts.
- A “5 min read” label (about 1,000 words) is the sweet spot for most blog posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the reading time estimate?
It is a solid approximation based on standard reading speeds. Actual time varies with topic difficulty, formatting, and the individual reader — treat it as a guide, not a guarantee.
Why are there three different speeds?
People read at different paces: 150 wpm is a careful slow read, 200 wpm is the average adult speed, and 250 wpm is a fast skim. Showing all three covers your whole audience.
How is speaking time different from reading time?
Speaking aloud is slower than silent reading — most people speak at 130 to 150 words per minute. The speaking estimate uses 150 wpm so scripts do not run over.
How many words is a 5-minute read?
About 1,000 words at average speed. That is why many blogs target 800 to 1,200 words per article.
Does formatting like headings affect the estimate?
The calculator counts words only, so heavy formatting, images, and videos add real-world time on top of the estimate.