Reading Time Calculator: how to use it
Estimate how long an article takes to read from its word count and reading speed, and learn how to set the speed for your audience.
"5 min read" labels help readers decide whether to start an article. They also help writers check that a blog post, newsletter or speech fits its slot. The Reading Time Calculator counts the words you paste and divides by a reading speed to show the time in minutes and seconds.
Everything is calculated live in your browser. Nothing is stored.
How to use the Reading Time Calculator
- Paste your article or text into the box.
- Check the Reading speed in words per minute. The default is 220.
- Add Extra time in seconds if the piece contains images, tables or code that readers will pause on.
- Read the estimated time.
- Press Clear to start again.
Tips for better results
- Adult reading speeds are commonly quoted between about 200 and 250 words per minute for ordinary text. Technical material is slower, around 150 to 180.
- Use a lower speed for study material and a higher one for light blog posts.
- Add 10 to 12 seconds per image as a simple allowance for looking at visuals.
- For spoken delivery, use a speed of 120 to 150 words per minute instead.
Rounding for labels
Most websites round up to the nearest minute and show a label such as "4 min read". If your estimate is 3 minutes 20 seconds, the label would normally say 4 minutes. Showing the exact time to the second is rarely useful to readers.
Frequently asked questions
Is 220 words per minute correct for everyone?
No. It is a reasonable average. Reading speed varies with language, topic and the person.
Does it count images?
Only if you add extra seconds yourself.
Does it work for Tamil or Hindi text?
It counts space-separated words, so yes, but average reading speeds differ by language, so adjust the speed.
Open the Reading Time Calculator →
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