Reading Time Calculator
Convert word count to reading and speaking time — adjust words per minute and see seconds, minutes, and a per-200-words pace.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average reading speed?
About 200–250 words per minute for silent English reading by adults, per the classic Brysbaert (2019) meta-analysis of 190 studies. Technical or dense text runs slower; light fiction faster.
How long is a 5-minute speech?
At the presentation pace of 130 wpm, about 650 words. At a brisk 150 wpm, 750 words. TED-style talks average around 160 wpm.
Does it count slides or pauses?
No — the estimate is pure word-rate math. Add time for slide transitions, audience reactions, and deliberate pauses; a safe rule is 10–15% extra for anything delivered live.
Can I use it for languages other than English?
Yes, but calibrate: this page counts words the way English text is measured. For CJK scripts, where one character carries more information than one English word, published reading rates run 400–600 characters per minute.