Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long a text takes to read silently or aloud.
Please note: An estimate based on the figures you entered. Real-world results vary with conditions this calculation cannot see, so treat it as a starting point rather than a final answer.
What the Reading Time Calculator does
Reading time is simply word count divided by reading speed. The number that matters is which speed you pick: silent reading of ordinary prose averages around 238 words per minute, but reading aloud runs closer to 130 and careful study slower still.
Formula
Minutes = Words ÷ Words per minuteWords = Pages × Words per pageSpeaking time = Words ÷ 130
Inputs explained
| Input | Unit | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure the text by | one of 2 options | Yes | — |
| Number of words | number | In some modes | Accepts more than 0. Shown Measure the text by is Word count. |
| Number of pages | number | In some modes | Accepts more than 0. Shown Measure the text by is Page count. |
| Page format | one of 4 options | In some modes | Shown Measure the text by is Page count. |
| Reading speed | one of 6 options | Yes | — |
| Custom speed | wpm | Optional | Overrides the choice above if set. Accepts 1 or more. |
How to use it
- Choose Measure the text by and Reading speed.
- Fill in the remaining inputs the form shows for your choice.
- Optionally add Custom speed.
- Select Calculate.
Worked example
A 5,000 word article read silently at average speed.
- Words
- 5000
- Speed
- 238 wpm
5,000 ÷ 238 = 21.0 minutes. Read aloud at 130 wpm it would take 38.5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does the average person read?
About 238 words per minute for silent reading of non-fiction English, based on meta-analysis of many studies. Claims of 1,000+ wpm generally involve skimming rather than full comprehension.
Why is reading aloud so much slower?
Speech is limited by articulation rather than comprehension. Comfortable presentation pace is 130–150 words per minute, roughly half of silent reading.