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Reading Time Calculator

Estimate how long any text takes to read.

Reading time
0 sec
Words
0
Characters
0
Characters (no spaces)
0
Sentences
0
Paragraphs
0
Speaking time
0 sec
Lines
0
Unique words
0
Words per sentence
0.0

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Reading speed

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How to use the reading time calculator

Three steps, all in your browser.

  1. 1

    Add your text

    Type, paste or open a .txt file. Press Sample to try an example.

  2. 2

    Watch the counts

    Every figure updates as you type. Pick a speed or option if you need one.

  3. 3

    Use the numbers

    All figures sit next to your text. Edit and they update.

Reading Time Calculator: what to know

The reading time calculator estimates how long it takes to read your text silently. Paste an article, newsletter, essay or post and the estimate updates as you edit.

The default speed is 238 words per minute. That figure comes from a 2019 review of 190 reading-rate studies by Marc Brysbaert, which put the average silent reading speed of adults at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction (and about 260 for fiction). Slow uses 180 words per minute and fast 300; you can also type your own speed.

Real reading time depends on the reader and the material. Technical text, unfamiliar vocabulary, tables and code all slow people down, while skimming speeds them up, so use the estimate as a guide for your audience rather than an exact time.

Popular uses

  • Showing a '5 min read' label on blog posts
  • Planning newsletter length so readers finish it
  • Estimating study time for reading assignments
  • Comparing article length against competitors

Tips for the best result

  • Round to whole minutes for labels; readers don't need seconds.
  • Choose the slow speed for technical or second-language audiences.
  • Charts, tables and code blocks take longer than prose; add time for them yourself.

Read how JustYourText works and our privacy details. Text you type or paste is processed in your browser and is never sent to our server.

Frequently asked questions

238 words per minute by default. A 2019 review of reading-rate studies by Marc Brysbaert put the average silent reading speed of adults at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction. Choose slow, fast or a custom speed to match your readers.

They divide the word count by a reading speed and round to whole minutes. Paste your post here to get the same estimate, then round it however your site displays it.

No. Every tool runs in your browser, so the text you type or paste is processed on your device and is not sent to our server or stored. Reloading or closing the page clears it.

Yes. Every tool is free with no sign-up and no limits on use. Clearly labeled ads keep it that way.

Yes. The tools work in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. Copy and Download work on mobile too.