Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long a text takes to read or speak.
Words to minutes, accurately
Adults silently read English at roughly 200–250 words per minute; comfortable speech for presentations runs 130–150 wpm. Enter your word count and reading speed above to get the time — switch to ~140 wpm to plan a speech instead.
Planning a talk or presentation
A 5-minute talk is about 700 spoken words; 10 minutes ≈ 1,400; a 20-minute conference slot ≈ 2,800. Build in 10–15% slack for pauses, slide transitions and the laugh you're hoping lands. Reading a script verbatim at silent-reading speed is the classic way to blow past a time limit — always calculate at speaking pace.
For bloggers and editors
"X min read" labels (Medium-style) typically use 200–265 wpm. Posts in the 6–8 minute range (1,200–2,000 words) consistently perform well for in-depth topics, while news updates work best under 3 minutes. Technical content reads slower — assume 150 wpm when your audience must absorb code or formulas.
Speeding up your own reading
Most people can comfortably reach 300+ wpm on familiar material by reducing subvocalization and reading in phrases rather than single words — comprehension, not raw speed, is the limit that matters.
Frequently asked questions
What reading speed should I use?
Use 200–250 wpm for typical adult silent reading, 150 wpm for technical material, and 130–150 wpm when estimating speech or presentation time.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650–750 words at a comfortable 130–150 wpm speaking pace, leaving room for pauses.
How do sites calculate "min read"?
Word count divided by an assumed speed, usually 200–265 wpm, sometimes with seconds added per image. This tool uses the same approach with a speed you control.
Does reading speed differ by language?
Yes — average speeds vary across languages and scripts. The defaults here are calibrated for English; adjust the wpm for other languages.