Paste any text to instantly calculate reading time, speaking time, and word count. Adjust for your reading speed.
WordCountPro's reading time calculator estimates how long text takes to read. Its default of 238 words per minute comes from a 2019 review of adult English non-fiction silent-reading studies. Adjust the speed for unfamiliar, technical or deliberately slow reading. Speaking time uses a separate 130 WPM planning rate to allow for pauses and delivery.
Reading time is calculated by dividing word count by reading speed. At the default 238 WPM, a 1,190-word article takes approximately five minutes.
A meta-analysis of 190 studies estimated 238 WPM for adults silently reading English non-fiction and 260 WPM for fiction. Most non-fiction estimates fell between 175 and 300 WPM. See the research and methodology in our reading-speed guide.
Speaking time uses 130 words per minute as a conservative planning rate. Real delivery varies with pauses, emphasis, audience interaction and the amount of explanation added while speaking.
Yes. Use the speed buttons or enter a custom WPM in the field above. The reading time updates instantly when you change the speed.
Yes, completely free. No sign up or account required.