Free Reading Time Calculator
Paste your text to see how long it takes to read silently, read aloud and present, based on average reading and speaking speeds.
Runs in your browser · nothing is uploaded
Runs in your browser. Your text isn't uploaded or stored.
How to use the free reading time calculator
- 01
Paste your text, or just a number of words.
- 02
Read the silent reading, reading aloud and presentation times.
- 03
Add the reading time to your blog post, or trim your script to fit a slot.
How reading time is worked out
Adults read silently at about 238 words per minute on average, so a 1,500-word article takes around 6 minutes. Reading aloud is slower, around 180 words per minute, and a relaxed presentation pace is about 130–150.
Showing "6 min read" at the top of an article sets expectations and has been shown to keep readers on the page. Technical or dense writing takes longer, so round up for those.
Reading time by word count
| Words | Silent reading | Reading aloud | Presentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1 min | 2 min | 2 min |
| 500 | 2 min | 3 min | 4 min |
| 1,000 | 4 min | 5.5 min | 7 min |
| 1,500 | 6 min | 8 min | 11 min |
| 2,000 | 8 min | 11 min | 14 min |
| 3,000 | 13 min | 16 min | 21 min |
Tips for using the reading time calculator
Show it on long posts
A "6 min read" label sets expectations and keeps readers who have the time. It matters most on posts over 1,000 words.
Round up for technical text
Dense or technical writing takes longer to read than average. Add 20–30% for code-heavy or academic content.
Time your talks
For speeches and videos, use the presentation time; people speak slower on stage than when reading aloud.
Know your length first
Use the word counter while drafting and the ideal blog post length calculator to choose a target.
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Reading Time Calculator FAQ
Can I just enter a word count?
Yes. Type a number on its own (e.g. 2500) and it's treated as that many words.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes silently, 5.5 minutes reading aloud, and 7 minutes as a speech.
Is my text private?
Yes. The calculation runs in your browser.
How long does it take to read 2,000 words?
About 8 minutes silently, 11 minutes aloud.
What reading speed is used?
238 words per minute for silent reading, the average found across studies of adult readers.
How do I add reading time to WordPress?
Plugins like Reading Time WP add it automatically, or copy the label from this tool into your post.
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