Word Counter
Words, characters, reading time.
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Reading Time Calculator
Turn a word count into reading time at slow, average and fast reading speeds.
Reading time
—
At this reading speed.
| Slow (150 wpm) | — |
|---|---|
| Average (230 wpm) | — |
| Fast (300 wpm) | — |
| Read aloud | — |
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Enter your figures above to see the step-by-step working.
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How the Reading Time Calculator Works
That “5 min read” label on articles comes from a simple sum: word count divided by reading speed. Average adult silent reading runs about 230 words per minute, so a 1,500-word article takes roughly 6½ minutes. This calculator gives the time at slow, average and fast reading speeds, plus a read-aloud estimate.
It is handy for bloggers labelling posts, students gauging assignments, and anyone estimating how long a document will take to get through. Dense or technical text reads slower, so lean toward the slow estimate for those.
reading time = words ÷ reading speed (words per minute)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to read 1,500 words?
At an average 230 words per minute, about 6 minutes 30 seconds. Technical material reads slower.
What reading speed should I assume?
About 230 words per minute for average adult silent reading. Use 150 for difficult text and 300 for skimming or fast readers.
Is reading aloud slower?
Yes. Reading aloud runs closer to 130 words per minute, similar to speaking pace, so it takes longer than silent reading.
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