Reading Time Calculator
Paste text into our free text reading time calculator to estimate the time it takes to read.
Text Reading Time Calculator
Our reading time estimator tool calculates how long it takes to read any piece of given text, so you know how much time you will have to spend to read it.
What is a reading time calculator?
A reading time calculator is a simple tool that estimates how long it will take someone to finish reading a piece of text. It runs a quick reading time calculation using the number of words in your content and an average reading speed in words per minute.
Why does reading time matter?
- People are more likely to start reading media when they know the time commitment.
- Shorter estimated times can make articles feel more approachable.
- Reading time estimates allow the reader to allocate enough time to fully absorb the text.
Who might need help calculating reading time?
Anyone who publishes text online can benefit from tools that calculate read time accurately. When you calculate reading time for every article, you give your audience a clear expectation before they start.
- Bloggers and newsletter writers planning content lengths.
- Individuals using a time to read calculator to ensure they have enough time to read.
- Product teams adding “X minute read” labels inside apps.
- Teachers undertaking reading tasks with students with differing attention spans.
- Writers preparing scripts, talks, or presentations.
- Content creators who want to have extra consideration for their reader’s time.
Using a reliable time to read calculator removes guesswork – readers know what length of text to expect, and creators can shape their content strategy accordingly.
How to estimate reading time based on word count
Most adults read web content at around 200–250 words per minute. A reading time estimator turns that into a simple formula using your total word count.
- Count the total number of words in your text.
- Choose an average speed, for example 220 words per minute.
- Divide your word count by that number to estimate reading time.
Alternatively, just paste your text into the tool above to get an automatic estimation of reading time.
Fully private — we cannot see your text
The reading time calculator on this page runs directly in your browser. The text you paste or upload is handled only on your device while the reading time calculation is processed.
Tip To be extra cautious, you can disable your internet connection once the page is loaded and the tool will still function.
Links to other useful text tools
Linked below are some of our other popular reading & text based tools that you may find helpful.
Calculate your text reading time now
Use the buttons below to navigate to the tool and check your text reading time now or view our other tools.