Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long it takes to read your content.
What is Reading Time?
Reading time is the estimated number of minutes it takes a typical reader to consume a piece of text — usually displayed at the top of blog posts, knowledge-base articles, and email newsletters so readers can decide whether they have time to engage. The math is simple: word count ÷ words per minute. Adult silent reading averages 200–250 WPM for typical prose; Medium picked 265 as their default. Technical and academic content slows readers to 50–100 WPM. Speaking time runs about half as fast — conversational speech is ~130 WPM, audiobook narration ~150–160 WPM, fast TED-style talks ~180–200 WPM. This calculator gives both estimates with adjustable WPM. Counting words for a draft? Use the Word Counter. Looking at word frequency for SEO? Try the Word Frequency Counter.
Reading Time Calculator
How to use this tool
- 1Paste your textDrop your draft, script, or article into the input. Word count and sentence count update live as you type or paste.
- 2Adjust the WPMDefault is 250 WPM for reading and 130 WPM for speaking. Slide higher for fast audiences (skimmers, native speakers) or lower for technical content.
- 3Read the estimatesThe calculator shows both reading time and speaking time in minutes and seconds — useful for blog metadata and rehearsal timing.