Reading Time Calculator
Paste any text to estimate how long it takes to read and to speak aloud, with an adjustable words-per-minute speed.
Plan content around how long it takes
Reading time is the little estimate that sets expectations — the "6 min read" label on an article, the length of a script, the pacing of an email. This calculator counts the words in your text and divides by a reading speed you control, so you can estimate both silent reading time and, separately, how long the same words take to say aloud.
Drag the speed slider to match your audience: 200 words per minute is a fair default for general web copy, but dense or technical material reads slower. The speaking-time figure uses about 130 words per minute, which is handy for timing talks, video voiceovers, and podcast segments before you record.
How it's calculated
Reading time = word count ÷ your chosen words-per-minute. Speaking time = word count ÷ 130. Results are shown in minutes and seconds and update as you type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is reading time calculated?
Word count is divided by a reading speed in words per minute. The default is 200 wpm, the average adult silent reading speed. You can adjust the speed to match your audience.
What is a good words-per-minute speed to assume?
Silent reading averages 200–250 wpm; careful or technical reading is slower, around 130–180 wpm. Speaking aloud is about 130 wpm, which this tool shows separately.
Why show speaking time too?
Speaking time helps you plan talks, videos, and voiceovers. At roughly 130 wpm, a 650-word script runs about five minutes when read aloud.
Is this tool free and private?
Yes. Everything runs in your browser — no sign-up, and your text is never uploaded or stored.
Get live word counts and reading time on any text field, on any website.