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Words
Reading time calculator
Paste text or enter a word count to estimate how long it takes to read — great for assignments, articles and speeches.
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Enter text or a word count
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Book pages (275 w/p)
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Read aloud @150 wpm
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Characters
Estimates assume silent reading of everyday prose. Technical material, dense academic text or studying with notes typically runs 25–50% slower than the estimate.
Reading speed benchmarks
Research on silent reading puts the average adult at roughly 238 words per minute, with a normal range of about 150–300. Third-graders read aloud at around 150 wpm; skilled adult readers can exceed 400 wpm for easy material, though comprehension drops as speed rises. If you are timing a speech or presentation, use the read-aloud figure (about 150 wpm) instead of the silent-reading figure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
At the average adult reading speed of 238 words per minute, 1,000 words takes about 4 minutes. Slower readers at 150 wpm need about 7 minutes; fast readers at 400 wpm finish in 2 and a half.
What is the average reading speed?
Studies put the average silent-reading speed for adults at around 238 words per minute, with most adults between 150 and 300. Talking speed is only about 150 wpm, which is why audiobooks at 1x feel slower than reading.
How many words are on a page?
A double-spaced manuscript page is about 250 words; a single-spaced page about 500. A typical mass-market book page runs 250 to 300 words. This tool uses 275 words per page for book equivalents.
Does my text get uploaded anywhere?
No. The word count and time estimate are computed entirely in your browser. Nothing you paste leaves your device.