Reading Time Calculator
See how long any text takes to read.
Paste in a word count and get the estimated reading time at your own reading speed. The default of 200 words per minute matches the average adult reader, but you can raise it if you skim fast or lower it for dense textbooks. Great for planning study sessions and blog posts alike.
How it's calculated
Reading time = word count ÷ words per minute, then converted into hours and minutes for easy planning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average reading speed?
Around 200–250 words per minute for an adult reading ordinary text. Technical material or a second language usually drops that to 100–150 wpm.
How do I find a text's word count?
In Word, look at the status bar or use Review → Word Count. In Google Docs, use Tools → Word Count, or select the text and check the count.
Is reading time the same as speaking time?
No — speaking is slower, about 130–150 words per minute. A 1,000-word speech takes roughly 7 minutes to deliver but only 4–5 minutes to read silently.