Reading Time Calculator
Calculate how long it takes to read a text: slow, average and fast reading, plus read-aloud time. Paste the text or enter the word count.
What is the reading time calculator?
The reading time calculator estimates how many minutes it takes to read a text based on the word count and a reading speed. It is the metric you see at the start of many articles as "5 min read" and that helps readers decide whether they have time to read it now.
The tool calculates the reading time at three speeds —slow, average and fast— and also the read-aloud time, which is slower because pronouncing takes time. You can paste the text and the words are counted automatically, or enter the word count directly if you already know it.
To dig deeper, see our guide on how many words per minute people read or measure the exact length with the word counter.
Reading time by word count
These are the approximate times at an average pace of 220 words per minute.
| Words | Time (average) | Equals |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1 min 22 s | An email or note |
| 500 | 2 min 16 s | A short blog post |
| 1,000 | 4 min 33 s | An article |
| 2,000 | 9 min 5 s | A long article |
| 5,000 | 22 min 44 s | A chapter |
| 10,000 | 45 min 27 s | A long paper |
What is calculating reading time for?
Bloggers and writers
Show the "5 min read" label at the top of an article to set expectations and improve the reader experience.
Speeches and presentations
Work out how long a script will take to read aloud and fit the length to the minutes available in your talk or video.
Students
Estimate how long it will take to read your notes or a chapter so you can plan your study sessions better.
Editors and media
Add the estimated reading time to news and newsletters, a metric that boosts trust and engagement.