Tools
Reading time calculator
Work out how many minutes a text takes to read, ideal for articles and blogs.
About this tool
Adding “5 min read” at the top of an article helps readers decide whether to read it now or save it for later, and many blogs, newsletters and publishing platforms show it by default. This calculator gives you that figure for any text: a blog post, a guide, an internal report or a book chapter. It is also a quick way to see whether something meant to be read on a phone has grown too long.
Paste the full text into the box. The reading time is highlighted at the top, in minutes and seconds, along with the pace used to work it out. Just below you will see words, characters, sentences and paragraphs, and further down the speaking time in case you are recording it too. Press “Copy stats” to keep the figures, and “Clear” to empty the box for the next text.
The estimate uses 230 words per minute, a typical silent reading speed for adults. It is only a guide: technical writing or text full of figures and tables takes longer, and time spent looking at images or charts is not included. The text is analysed only in your browser and is never sent to a server.
Frequently asked questions
How many words per minute does the average person read?
Adults reading general text silently manage about 200 to 260 words per minute on average. This calculator uses 230, a middle value.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes 20 seconds at 230 words per minute. For technical or dense writing, allow 5 to 6 minutes.
Should I show reading time on my blog?
It usually helps: readers know what they are committing to and are more likely to start. Round to the nearest minute and place it near the date or author.
Why does my reading time differ from other sites?
Each tool uses its own speed, typically between 200 and 265 words per minute, and some add a few seconds per image. Here you always see the exact pace used.