Reading Time Calculator
Paste your text to instantly calculate reading time, speaking time, word count, character count, and more. Adjust the reading speed to match your pace.
Want to speed read any webpage?
Try Readima — the free Chrome extension that brings RSVP and Meta Guiding to every website you visit.
Add to Chrome — FreeHow Is Reading Time Calculated?
Reading time is calculated by dividing the total number of words in a text by your reading speed in words per minute (WPM). The formula is simple:
Reading Time = Word Count / Reading Speed (WPM)
Our calculator uses 238 WPM as the default reading speed, which is the widely accepted average for adults reading English text. You can adjust this with the slider to match your personal reading speed. Take our reading speed test to find out your exact WPM.
Average Reading Speeds
Reading speed varies based on the type of content and the reader's experience:
- •Casual reading — 200-250 WPM for novels, magazines, and light content
- •Focused reading — 150-200 WPM for textbooks, technical documentation, and academic papers
- •Skimming — 400-700 WPM when you only need the main points
- •Speed reading — 400-600 WPM with trained techniques like RSVP
- •Speaking pace — 120-150 WPM for presentations and audiobooks
Tips to Read Faster
If the reading time estimate feels too long, there are proven techniques to increase your reading speed:
- •Practice with RSVP — Use our speed reader tool to train your brain to process words faster.
- •Reduce subvocalization — The inner voice that reads words aloud limits you to ~250 WPM.
- •Use a pointer — Guide your eyes with a finger or cursor to maintain a steady pace.
- •Chunk words — Read groups of 3-5 words per fixation instead of one word at a time.
Check out our complete speed reading techniques guide to learn all 7 proven methods.