Free Reading Time Calculator
Calculate reading and speaking time. Adjust speed to match your audience.
How Reading Time Is Calculated
Reading time is estimated by dividing your word count by the reading speed. The default speed is 238 words per minute, which is the average silent reading speed for adults based on research by Brysbaert (2019).
Reading Speed Presets
- Slow (150 wpm) — technical material, non-native readers, or content that requires careful study
- Average (238 wpm) — general-purpose reading speed for most adults
- Fast (350 wpm) — experienced readers, familiar subject matter, or skimming
Speaking Time
Speaking time uses 150 words per minute, which is a comfortable pace for presentations, podcasts and speeches. If you're preparing a talk, this estimate helps you gauge whether your script fits your time slot.
Important Note
These are estimates. Actual reading time depends on the reader, the complexity of the text, the subject matter and the reader's familiarity with the topic. Technical or dense material takes longer to read than conversational writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading speed is used by default?
238 words per minute, based on the average adult silent reading speed from Brysbaert (2019).
How is speaking time calculated?
At 150 words per minute, which is a comfortable pace for presentations and speeches.
Is my text private?
Yes. All calculations happen in your browser.