About the Reading Time Calculator
Find out how long an article takes to read, how long a speech runs, or how long an exam answer takes to write by hand. The defaults come from published research on reading speed, and you can set your own words per minute.
How to use it
- Paste your text or speech.
- Read the three times.
- Change the speed to match your reader or speaker.
Example
- Input
- A 1,200-word speech
- Result
- Reading 5 min 2 sec · Speaking 8 min · Handwriting 1 hr 32 min
Questions
Where do the default speeds come from?
238 words per minute for silent reading is the average for non-fiction found by Brysbaert (2019) across 190 studies. 150 words per minute is a typical presentation pace. 13 words per minute is a usual handwriting speed for adults.
How do I time a speech exactly?
Read a 150-word passage aloud at your normal pace and time it, then enter your own speed. Add a few seconds per slide or pause.
Does it count code or tables?
It counts words. Readers slow down on code, numbers and dense tables, so add time for technical content.