Reading Time Calculator

Reading time is your word count divided by a reading speed in words per minute (wpm), shown in minutes and seconds. The default is 200 wpm, a conservative average for adults reading on screen. Research puts typical silent reading of non-fiction between about 200 and 260 wpm, and slower for technical material or for readers using a second language.

Speaking time uses 130 wpm by default, a comfortable pace for presentations with pauses. Conversational speech is often faster, around 150 wpm, while formal speeches, sermons and audiobooks for learners are usually slower.

Many publishers show "5 min read" under the title. It sets expectations, helps readers decide whether to read now or save the article, and can reduce bounce rates because people who start know what they are committing to. Round to whole minutes and keep the calculation consistent across the site.

For speeches and videos, the calculation works the other way round: if you have a 5-minute slot at 130 wpm, your script should be about 650 words. Use the Word Counter while you draft to keep on target.

Reading time is not only about length. Short sentences, familiar words, clear headings and lists all let readers move faster and understand more. Check your draft with the Readability Checker and look for long sentences with the Sentence Counter.

Word-based estimates are a starting point. Real delivery time also depends on pauses, slides, audience reactions and how much you ad-lib. To get it right:

1. Draft the script and check the estimate here at your usual pace.
2. Read it aloud once with a timer.
3. Divide your word count by the minutes it took to get your personal words per minute.
4. Enter that speed in the calculator and use it for every future script.

Leave about 10% of your slot unused for pauses and transitions. A 10-minute talk at 130 wpm is about 1,300 words; aim for roughly 1,150 to 1,200.

• Emails and newsletters: most readers spend well under a minute, so put the key message in the first 50 words.
• Blog posts: 3 to 10-minute reads are typical; longer guides benefit from a table of contents.
• Documentation: readers scan rather than read every word, so headings and examples matter more than total time.
• Audiobooks and podcasts: narrators usually speak at 150 to 160 wpm.