Reading Time Calculator
This reading time calculator shows how long any text takes to read, say out loud, or write by hand, at speeds you choose.
- Words
- 0
- Reading time
- 0 seconds
- at 238 wpm
- Speaking time
- 0 seconds
- at 150 wpm
- Handwriting time
- 0 seconds
- at 13 wpm
Speeds
About
What the Reading Time Calculator Measures
A reading time calculator divides a word count by a reading speed. At the average adult pace of 238 words per minute, a 1,190-word article takes 5 minutes, which answers the question of how long to read a piece before you start. The same idea, with a slower rate, works as a read time calculator for speeches and scripts.
Speeds differ between people and material, so every rate here is adjustable. Read how reading time is calculated for where the defaults come from, or check a draft’s full statistics in the word counter.
Guide
How to Use the Reading Time Calculator
Paste your text, or switch to “A word count” and type a number.
Read the three estimates at the top: reading, speaking, and handwriting time.
Adjust any speed to match your audience, or pick a preset such as Careful reading or Slow speaking.
Use the speaking time to fit a speech into a time slot, or the handwriting time to plan a timed essay.
Features
Key Features
Three estimates at once
Reading, speaking, and handwriting time side by side, so one tool works as a reading time estimator and a speech time calculator.
Adjustable speeds
Set words per minute for reading, speaking, and writing, or tap a preset from careful to skimming.
Text or word count
Paste a full draft for an exact count, or type a number when you only know the target length.
Research-based defaults
238 words per minute for reading, 150 for speaking, and 13 for handwriting, all easy to change.
Use cases
Who It’s For
Bloggers and publishers
Show an accurate minutes to read label under each article, so readers know what they’re committing to.
Speakers and presenters
Use it as a speaking time calculator to fit a talk, toast, or video script into its time slot.
Students
Plan timed exams with the handwriting time calculator, and check presentations against a time limit.
What reading speed should I use?
The default of 238 words per minute is the average for adults reading non-fiction silently, from a 2019 review of 190 studies. Use a slower speed for technical material and a faster one for light reading.
How long is a 1000 word speech?
About 6 minutes 40 seconds at a comfortable 150 words per minute, and closer to 8 minutes if you speak slowly or pause for slides. As a speech length calculator, the tool shows both once you set your pace.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes 12 seconds at the average rate of 238 words per minute. Skimming takes under 3 minutes, and careful study of dense material can take 6 or more.
How fast do people write by hand?
Most adults handwrite legibly at around 10 to 20 words per minute. The default of 13 suits timed exams. Time yourself copying a paragraph for one minute to find your own speed.