Reading Time Calculator

Estimate how long text takes to read, based on word count.

Estimate updates live as you write — nothing is uploaded.

Result—

Enter your values and calculate to see the result.

Formula used

reading time (minutes) = words / words-per-minute
words-per-minute      = 200   (assumed average silent reading speed)
shown as minutes + seconds, rounded to the nearest second
Word CounterCharacter CounterJSON FormatterBase64 Encoder / Decoder

Worked example

Input: a 600-word article.

  • Words: 600
  • Reading time: 600 / 200 = 3 min

Frequently asked questions

What reading speed do you assume?

The tool assumes 200 words per minute, the commonly cited average for silent adult reading. The estimate scales linearly with word count, so a 400-word text is about 2 minutes.

Why does reading time change as I type?

Reading time is derived from the live word count. Each block of words you add extends the estimate proportionally at the same 200 wpm pace.

Does it account for images, code, or tables?

No. It estimates prose reading time from words alone. Pages heavy with code, charts, or video take longer in practice, so treat the number as a baseline for text.

Is my text uploaded to estimate reading time?

No. The word count and time estimate are computed in your browser as you type; the text never leaves your device.