Estimate Reading Time
Get the estimated reading time for any article, post or document — based on average reading speed.
Estimate how long any text takes to read at average reading speed. Free online reading time calculator.
Estimate Reading Time examples
| Input | Output |
|---|
| A 1,000-word article | About 5 minutes at 200 words per minute |
How the estimate reading time works
- Words are counted by splitting on whitespace.
- The count is divided by an average reading speed of 200 words per minute.
- The result is shown in minutes and seconds.
Rules and edge cases
- The word count is divided by 200 words per minute, the common average for adult silent reading of general prose.
- The estimate is shown in minutes and seconds so short pieces are not all rounded to one minute.
- Images, code blocks and tables slow readers down and are not accounted for — add time manually for technical content.
Frequently asked questions
Is 200 words per minute the right speed?
It is a reasonable average for general prose. Technical documentation is often read at 100-150 wpm, and light fiction closer to 250-300.
Should I display reading time on articles?
It sets expectations and tends to help engagement on longer posts. Keep it accurate — an estimate that is obviously too low undermines trust.