How Does It Work?
- Add your text or a word countPaste the full text, or if you already know the word count, type it in the box instead.
- Pick a reading speedSilent reading, reading aloud and presentation pace are all very different — choose the one that matches the situation.
- Read the estimateThe main figure uses your chosen speed; the tiles show the common alternatives for comparison.
What Is It Used For?
Reading speed varies with the reader and the material. Adults read general prose at roughly 200 to 250 words per minute silently, but only 120 to 150 when reading out loud, and slower still with dense or technical material. Any single number is an estimate — what matters is using the right speed for the job.
- Adding a "5 min read" label to a blog post.
- Checking whether a speech fits a ten-minute slot.
- Timing a video script or voice-over before recording.
- Sizing a presentation so it does not overrun.
- Judging whether an email is too long for a busy reader.
Examples
| Words | Silent read (225 wpm) | Read aloud (130 wpm) |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | ~53 seconds | ~1 min 32 sec |
| 500 | ~2 min 13 sec | ~3 min 51 sec |
| 1,000 | ~4 min 27 sec | ~7 min 42 sec |
| 1,500 | ~6 min 40 sec | ~11 min 32 sec |