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Reading Time Calculator

Paste your text (or enter a word count) to estimate how long it takes to read.

200 = average silent reading, 140 = speech delivery

0

Words

0 min

Estimated time

Frequently Asked Questions

How is reading time calculated?

Reading time is estimated by dividing the total word count by a reading speed, measured in words per minute. This tool uses 200 WPM as the default for silent reading, which is a commonly cited average adult reading speed, but you can adjust it for speech delivery or slower reading paces.

Is 200 words per minute accurate for everyone?

It's an average, not a universal number — actual reading speed varies by content difficulty, familiarity with the topic, and individual reading ability. For speeches read aloud, 130-150 WPM is more realistic, which is why this tool lets you adjust the speed manually.

Can I paste a full article instead of typing a word count?

Yes. Paste your full text into the box and the word count and reading time are calculated automatically — no need to count words yourself first.

Need something else? See the full tools homepage.