Reading Time Calculator
How long a text takes to read at a chosen reading speed.
Result
Reading time (min)
5.0
Total seconds
300
How it works
Reading time is words divided by reading speed. An average adult reads silently at about 200–250 words per minute, so a 1,000-word article takes 4–5 minutes — the number behind the "X min read" labels on blogs. Speed depends heavily on purpose. Skimming runs at 400+ wpm, careful study of technical material drops below 150, and reading aloud is much slower: typical speech sits around 130–160 wpm, the figure to use when timing a talk, a podcast script or a voice-over. Writers use this arithmetic in reverse: a 15-minute conference slot at 140 wpm means a script of about 2,100 words; a 60-second radio ad holds roughly 150. Estimating before writing saves painful cutting after.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an average reading speed?
Around 200–250 words per minute for adults reading for comprehension.
How long to read 1000 words?
About 5 minutes at 200 words per minute.
How do I time a speech rather than silent reading?
Use a speaking pace of about 130–160 words per minute. A 10-minute talk holds roughly 1,400 words; slow down further for emphasis, pauses and audience reaction.
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