Reading Time Calculator
100% PrivateText & Writing ToolsEstimate how long a text takes to read silently and to read aloud, at three speeds.
Runs entirely in your browser. Your input is not uploaded to Ovatly or anywhere else.
- Words
- 0
- Silent reading
- -
- Reading aloud / speaking
- -
- 1Type or paste your text in the box.
- 2Pick a speed: slow, average or fast. The words per minute for each are shown on the buttons.
- 3Read the two estimates: silent reading time and speaking time.
- 4Adjust the text or the speed until the timing fits your format.
Paste a 400-word article and choose Average (200 read / 130 speak wpm). The calculator shows silent reading of 2 min and reading aloud of 3 min 5 sec, because 400 words at 130 words per minute is about 185 seconds.
- Times are estimates from average adult speeds. Your real pace depends on the reader, the difficulty of the text and pauses.
- Speaking time uses read-aloud speed, which is slower than silent reading; presentation pauses are not included.
- A word is any run of characters separated by spaces, the same rule the Word Counter uses.
Average fits most planning. Choose slow for technical material, young readers or a careful presentation delivery, and fast for familiar, light content skimmed by experienced readers.
About this tool
The Reading Time Calculator estimates how long a text takes to read silently and to read aloud, at slow, average or fast speeds. Bloggers use it for read-time labels, speakers use it to fit a script to a slot, and teachers use it to size reading assignments fairly.
Related tools
Part of Ovatly's free tools in Text & Writing Tools.