Reading time calculator
Enter a word count or paste your text to see how long it takes to read silently, read aloud or present as a speech.
Reading and speaking time by word count
At 238 words per minute silent reading and 130 words per minute speaking.
| Words | Reading time | Speaking time |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1¼ min | 2¼ min |
| 500 | 2 min | 4 min |
| 750 | 3 min | 6 min |
| 1,000 | 4 min | 7½ min |
| 1,500 | 6 min | 11½ min |
| 2,000 | 8½ min | 15½ min |
| 3,000 | 12½ min | 23 min |
| 5,000 | 21 min | 38½ min |
Where the numbers come from
A 2019 meta-analysis of 190 studies (Brysbaert) put the average adult silent reading speed at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction and 260 for fiction. Many blogs use a rounder 200 wpm, which gives a slightly more generous estimate.
Speaking is slower: presenters and audiobook narrators usually land between 130 and 160 words per minute. Add time for pauses, slides and audience questions. See our reading speed guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes at a typical adult reading speed of 238 words per minute, or 5 minutes at 200 wpm.
How long is a 5-minute speech?
Around 650 words at a presentation pace of 130 words per minute.
What is the average reading speed?
About 238 words per minute for non-fiction silent reading, according to a large 2019 meta-analysis.
How do I show reading time on my blog?
Divide the post's word count by 200–240 and round up to the nearest minute, e.g. “6 min read” for 1,300 words.