Reading Time Calculator
Estimate reading time from a word count and reading speed. We default to the research-backed adult average of 238 words per minute and also show time to read aloud.
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A large 2019 meta-analysis put the average adult silent reading speed at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction (around 260 for fiction). Reading aloud is slower, roughly 130–150 wpm. Use these to estimate article length, script timing, or study time.
How it’s calculated & sources
Reading time = word count ÷ words-per-minute. Aloud time uses ~130 wpm. Pages assume ~500 words per page. Default speed is the 238 wpm adult average.
Benchmark: average adult silent reading speed ~238 wpm (Brysbaert, 2019 meta-analysis); ~130–150 wpm read aloud.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
A 1,500-word article takes about 6.3 minutes at the 238 wpm average, roughly 11.5 minutes read aloud, or about 3 pages.
Frequently asked questions
Where does 238 wpm come from?
A 2019 meta-analysis by Marc Brysbaert reviewing 190 studies; it is the most cited modern figure for adult silent reading.
Why is reading aloud slower?
Speaking is limited by articulation, so most people read aloud at ~130–150 wpm versus ~238 silently.
Does difficulty change the estimate?
Yes — technical or dense text slows you down. Lower the wpm for complex material.