Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long text takes to read at a configurable words-per-minute, with a separate speaking time for scripts and presentations.
Between 50 and 1000. Values outside that range are clamped.
How it works
- Type or paste the text you want to time.
- Pick a reading pace, or enter your own words-per-minute.
- Reading and speaking times update as you type, entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading speed does it use?
Two hundred words per minute by default, a common silent-reading average for adults on general prose. It is adjustable from 50 to 1000, with presets for slow, average, fast and skimming, because reading speed varies enormously with the material and the reader.
Why is the speaking time longer?
Speech is slower than silent reading. The speaking figure uses 130 words per minute, roughly a measured presentation pace, which is what you want when timing a script or a talk rather than an article.
Is the estimate rounded up?
Yes, to the next whole second, and it never reports zero for text that has words in it — a result of zero would imply the text takes no time at all to read.
Is it deterministic?
Yes. The same text and the same words-per-minute always produce the same figure. Nothing is sampled or randomised.