Reading Time Calculator

Enter the number of words in your text to find the reading time.

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wpm

About 238 is average for silent reading of non-fiction. Many people read 200 to 300.

This result is an estimate only. Double-check important figures before relying on them.

How it is calculated

  • Reading time = words ÷ words per minute
  • Speaking time = words ÷ 130
  • Pages = words ÷ 250

To count the time in other units, see the time units converter.

Worked example

A 2,380-word article at 238 words per minute:

  • Reading time = 10 min 0 sec
  • Speaking time = about 18 minutes

Why your number may differ

Reading speed depends on the reader, the topic and the language. This is an average, not a promise for any one reader.

Frequently asked questions

How fast do people read?

Studies of adults reading non-fiction silently put the average at roughly 238 words per minute. Fiction is a little faster, and difficult or technical text slower.

How long is a speech?

Most people speak at around 130 words per minute when presenting, so 1,300 words is about 10 minutes.

How many words are on a page?

A typical printed page holds roughly 250 to 300 words, and 250 is used here.