Reading Time Calculator
Reading Time Calculator
Calculate reading time, speaking time, video script length, word count, character count, sentence count, paragraph count, and content length. Paste your article, essay, blog post, speech, script, email, or social post and get instant timing estimates.
Reading time is usually estimated by dividing total words by reading speed. A common average is around 200–250 words per minute for normal reading, while speaking time is often around 130–160 words per minute.
Paste text to calculate time
Reading time report
Your reading time, speaking time, and text analysis report will appear here.
Reading and speaking time are estimates. Actual time depends on language, topic difficulty, reader skill, presentation pauses, visuals, audience interaction, and delivery style.
What is a reading time calculator?
A reading time calculator estimates how long it takes to read a piece of text. It counts the words and divides them by a selected reading speed, usually measured in words per minute.
It is useful for blog posts, essays, articles, newsletters, landing pages, documentation, ebooks, study notes, product pages, and online courses.
Common content timing examples
Reading time formula
The basic reading time formula is:
- Reading time = total words ÷ words per minute
- Speaking time = total words ÷ speaking words per minute
- Example: 1,000 words ÷ 200 WPM = 5 minutes of reading time.
- Example: 750 words ÷ 150 WPM = 5 minutes of speaking time.
How to use this reading time calculator
- Paste your article, essay, blog post, script, or speech into the text box.
- Choose a reading speed or speaking speed.
- Click “Calculate Time” or keep auto calculate turned on.
- Review reading time, speaking time, words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs.
- Use the report to plan your blog, video, presentation, class work, or content schedule.
Best use cases
- Show estimated reading time on blog posts.
- Estimate YouTube script length before recording.
- Plan podcast scripts, speeches, and presentations.
- Check essay or article length before submitting.
- Estimate email or newsletter reading time.
- Improve content planning for SEO pages and landing pages.
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FAQ
How do you calculate reading time?
Divide the total word count by the selected reading speed in words per minute. For example, 1,000 words divided by 200 WPM equals 5 minutes.
What is the average reading speed?
Many reading time estimates use around 200 to 250 words per minute for general reading. This tool lets you choose slow, comfortable, average, fast, or custom speed.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
At 150 words per minute, a 5-minute speech is about 750 words. Slower delivery, pauses, and visuals can reduce the number of words.
Can I use this for YouTube scripts?
Yes. Paste your script and check the speaking time estimate. It can help you plan videos, tutorials, voiceovers, and podcasts.
Does this tool store my text?
No. This calculator runs in your browser and does not upload or store your text.
Is reading time exact?
No. Reading time is an estimate. Actual time depends on reading speed, topic difficulty, formatting, language, and reader focus.
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