How to calculate reading time
- Paste your text, or switch to Word count and type a number.
- Pick a reading speed: slow (150), average (200) or fast (300) words per minute. You can also type your own.
- Read the results: reading time at your speed, speaking time for a talk, and a table comparing common speeds.
Reading time formula
Reading time (minutes) = words ÷ words per minute
| Words | Silent reading (200 wpm) | Speaking (150 wpm) |
|---|---|---|
| 250 (one page) | 1 min 15 s | 1 min 40 s |
| 500 | 2 min 30 s | 3 min 20 s |
| 1,000 | 5 min | 6 min 40 s |
| 1,500 | 7 min 30 s | 10 min |
| 2,000 | 10 min | 13 min 20 s |
| 5,000 | 25 min | 33 min 20 s |
Speech and presentation time
Spoken words are slower than silent reading. Most speakers manage 130 to 150 words per minute and slow down for pauses, slides and questions. Some common lengths:
- 1-minute speech: about 130–150 words
- 3-minute speech: about 400–450 words
- 5-minute speech: about 650–750 words
- 10-minute talk: about 1,300–1,500 words
- 20-minute talk: about 2,600–3,000 words
Leave about 10% spare for pauses and audience reactions.
Showing reading time on articles
Blogs and news sites often show “5 min read” at the top of an article. It sets readers’ expectations and can keep them on the page. Round to the nearest minute and use about 200–230 words per minute. Because the readability checker uses the same speed, its reading time matches this page.
What changes reading speed
- How hard the text is. Long sentences and long words slow everyone down. Check with the readability checker.
- Purpose. Studying is slower than reading for pleasure, and skimming is faster still.
- The reader’s familiarity with the topic and the language.
- The screen or page. Small type and long lines slow reading.