Reading Time Estimator
Estimate how long an article takes to read from its word count.
What is the Reading Time Estimator?
This tool estimates how long a piece of text takes to read, from its word count and a reading speed — the same "X min read" label commonly shown at the top of blog posts and articles.
The formula
Reading Time = Word Count ÷ Words Per Minute. The default of 200 words per minute reflects a commonly cited average adult silent-reading speed; adjust it up or down to match your own audience or a faster/slower speed.
How to use it
- Paste your text.
- Adjust the reading speed if you want a different estimate than the 200 WPM default.
- Use the resulting time as a "read time" label, or to gauge whether a piece feels too long.
Reading speed varies a lot by individual, by familiarity with the topic, and by how dense or technical the text is — treat this as a reasonable average estimate, not a precise prediction for any specific reader.
Want the "why" behind this tool? Read Why 'X Min Read' Estimates Are Always a Little Wrong.