Reading Time Calculator
Estimate reading & speaking time for any text.
100% private — runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded.
Estimated reading time
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Words
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Characters
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Sentences
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How to use the Reading Time Calculator
- 1Paste your text
Add the article, script or speech you want to time.
- 2Pick a speed
Choose a preset or drag the slider to any words-per-minute value.
- 3Read the estimate
See the reading time, plus word, character and sentence counts.
Examples
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
1,000 words at 238 wpm | about 4 min read |
650 words speaking aloud | about 5 min speech |
Free online reading time calculator
This reading time calculatorestimates how long your text takes to read — or to say aloud — based on word count and a reading speed you control. It is handy for adding a “5 min read” label to an article, or for timing a speech or presentation script.
Reading vs. speaking speed
These differ a lot, so pick the right one. Silent reading averages about 238 words per minute. Reading aloud is much slower — roughly 130–150 wpm — because speech has a natural pace and pauses. If you are timing a talk, use the speaking speed, or you will run dramatically over.
A quick guide to speech length
- 1-minute talk — about 130 words.
- 5-minute talk — about 650 words.
- 10-minute talk — about 1,300 words.
- A TED-style 18-minute talk — around 2,300 words.
Everything runs in your browser, so your text stays private and the tool works offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is reading time calculated?
The tool counts the words in your text and divides by a reading speed in words per minute. The average adult reads silently at about 238 words per minute, which is the default.
What is the average reading speed?
Around 238 words per minute for silent reading of English prose. Reading aloud is slower, about 130–150 wpm, while fast readers reach 350 or more.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
At the average 238 wpm, about 4 minutes. Reading aloud at 130 wpm, closer to 7 to 8 minutes.
How do I estimate speaking time for a speech?
Choose the 'Speaking aloud' speed of about 130 wpm, which accounts for the natural pauses in speech. A 5-minute talk is roughly 650 words.
Why do blogs show a reading time?
A '5 min read' label sets expectations and measurably increases the number of people who start an article, because they know the time commitment upfront.
Is my text private?
Yes. The calculation runs entirely in your browser, so nothing is uploaded and it works offline.