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. The word count is divided by 200 words per minute.

Estimate Reading Time examples

InputOutput
A 1,000-word articleAbout 5 minutes at 200 words per minute

How the estimate reading time works

  1. Words are counted by splitting on whitespace.
  2. The count is divided by an average reading speed of 200 words per minute.
  3. 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.