Reading time calculator
Enter the word count and see the reading time. Example: a 1,000-word text takes about 4 minutes at 250 words per minute.
Average reading speed: ~200 words/min. Technical reading is slower.
How the calculation works
Reading time estimates how long a text takes based on its word count and your reading speed:
time (minutes) = number of words ÷ speed (words per minute)
Step-by-step example
A 1,500-word article at 250 words per minute:
- 1,500 ÷ 250 = 6 minutes
Reference speeds
- Casual reading: ~200 wpm
- Average adult: ~250 wpm
- Technical/study reading: slower (150–200)
It's the same math blogs use to show "5 min read" atop articles.
Examples
- 800 words at 200 wpm: 4 minutes.
- A 90,000-word book at 250 wpm: ~6 hours of reading.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average speed?
About 200–250 words per minute for adults.
Does speed reading work?
You can go faster, but above ~400–500 wpm comprehension usually drops. For studying, slower is better.
Can it estimate speaking time?
As a rough guide: speech is slower, ~130–150 wpm. Divide words by ~140 for a talk estimate.
How many words fit a 5-minute talk?
About 700, at 140 words per minute spoken. Subtract 10–15% for pauses and slide transitions.
Which reading speed should I use?
For silent leisure reading, 200–250 words per minute. Aloud, 130–150. For technical material, 100–200.
Does speed reading really work?
Moderate gains are real, mainly by reducing subvocalisation and regressions. Past a point, speed costs comprehension.
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Updated on June 18, 2026 · by Rafael Rossi · Methodology & sources