Reading Time Calculator

How to use it

1. 1

   Add your text

   Paste the passage, or type a word count if you already have one. The word count updates as you type.

2. 2

   Set the pace

   Choose a reading speed in words per minute, or keep the average. A slower pace suits dense or technical text.

3. 3

   Read the estimate

   See the silent reading time and the slower speaking time, so you can plan a read or a talk.

When it comes in handy

Frequently asked questions

How fast does the average person read?

Silent reading for adults averages around 200 to 250 words per minute, while reading aloud is slower at roughly 130 to 150. The calculator defaults to average speeds and lets you change them, since pace depends on the reader and how dense the text is.

Why are reading and speaking times different?

You read silently faster than you can pronounce every word aloud, so a passage that takes two minutes to read might take three to speak. That is why the calculator shows both, which matters when you are timing a talk.

Does formatting affect the estimate?

The estimate is based on the word count and your chosen pace, so headings, images and pauses are not counted. For a speech, add a little time for pauses and emphasis beyond the raw figure.

Is anything I type sent to a server?

No. Everything runs inside your browser, so the work you do here stays on your own device and nothing is uploaded. There is no sign-up and no limit on how many times you use it, and once the page has loaded it keeps working with no connection.