Calculate how long it takes to read any text. Free online reading time calculator based on average reading speed.
The reading time calculator estimates how long it takes to read a given text. It uses the average adult reading speed of approximately 238 words per minute (based on research), though this can vary depending on text complexity, reader familiarity with the subject, and individual reading speed. This tool is popular with bloggers who display estimated reading times on articles.
Reading Time (minutes) = Word Count ÷ 238The calculation uses the average silent reading speed of 238 words per minute for prose, as established by Brysbaert (2019). For technical or academic content, reading speed may be slower (150-200 WPM), while for casual content it may be faster (250-300 WPM).
| Input | Output |
|---|---|
| 500-word article | ~2 minutes 6 seconds |
| 2,000-word blog post | ~8 minutes 24 seconds |
| 10,000-word report | ~42 minutes |