Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long a text takes to read silently or to speak aloud.
About the Reading Time Calculator
Enter the word count and a reading speed. The calculator gives the silent reading time and the time to read it aloud at a typical speaking pace, which is useful for articles, essays, scripts and speeches.
A 2019 review of 190 studies found that adults read non-fiction silently at an average of about 238 words per minute (and fiction at about 260). Speaking for presentations is slower, usually 130–150 words per minute.
The formula
Time = words ÷ words per minute
Worked example
A 1,500-word article
- Silent reading at 238 wpm: 1,500 ÷ 238 = 6 min 18 s
- Read aloud at 140 wpm: 10 min 43 s
Questions people ask
How long is a 5-minute speech?
About 650–750 words.
Is speed reading real?
Comprehension drops well above about 400–500 words per minute.
How do I find my own speed?
Read a page for exactly one minute and count the words you got through.