How it works
Paste your text (or enter a word count) and the reading time computes as words divided by speed. The slider sets your assumed reader; the comparison tiles show the same text at spoken pace, slow, average, and fast reading speeds so you can quote a range.
Everything runs locally. Your text is never uploaded, and there is no signup.
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
Words divided by reading speed. The default is 225 words per minute, a solid average for adults reading silently in English. Drag the slider to match your audience: careful technical reading runs slower, skimming runs faster.
What reading speed should I assume for my blog?
200-250 wpm is the range most publishing tools use (Medium famously calculates at roughly 265). If your content is technical or instructional, assume 150-200; readers slow down when they need to absorb detail.
What is speaking time and when do I need it?
Speaking time uses 130 words per minute, a comfortable presentation pace. Use it to time speeches, video scripts, and podcast segments: a 650-word script is about five minutes spoken.
Can I use it without pasting the text?
Yes. If you already know the word count, type it into the word-count box and leave the text area empty. When text is pasted, the word count is computed from it automatically.
Why do reading-time estimates differ between sites?
They assume different speeds (anywhere from 180 to 300 wpm) and some weight images or code blocks. Ours shows the assumption explicitly and lets you change it, so you can match whichever convention you need.
Does adding a reading time help engagement?
Publishers add "N min read" labels because they set expectations: short reads get more clicks, and long reads attract committed readers. Test it on your own audience; this calculator gives you the honest number to display.
Is my text uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser with no signup; your latest text and speed are remembered only in your own browser.