Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long pasted text takes to read, compare careful, average, and fast speeds, and copy a clean reading label.
Frequently asked questions
How does the reading time calculator work?
It counts the words in your pasted text, divides them by the selected words-per-minute speed, and turns the estimate into a readable time and label.
What reading speed should I choose?
Use Average for most posts and articles, Careful for study or dense material, and Fast for quick scanning or familiar content.
Does this calculate speaking time?
No. This page estimates silent reading time. Speaking time is a different task and belongs in a separate tool.
Does this upload my text?
No. The estimate runs in your browser, so the pasted text does not need to be sent to a server for this tool to work.
Can I estimate reading time from a word count without pasting text?
Yes. Choose Word count under Calculate from and enter the number of words. This is useful before a finished draft is available.
How many minutes is a 1,000-word article at 250 words per minute?
The direct calculation is 1,000 รท 250 = 4 minutes. Enter 250 as a custom pace to use that assumption. Illustrations, unfamiliar vocabulary and rereading can change the actual time.
Why does the copied reading label show a different time?
Round up label rounds the display label to whole minutes. Include title and Compact label change the wording of the copied label, not the underlying word count.