Reading time calculator
The text stays in this tab. Nothing is uploaded.
Time
Speaking time uses 130 words a minute (180 characters for CJK). Mixed text counts Latin words and CJK characters.
How to use this tool
See how long a text takes to read silently or aloud. Nothing is uploaded.
Open Reading time calculator
A sample paragraph is filled at average speed. Reading time, speaking time and the counts sit on the right.
Paste your text
Clear the sample and paste an article, essay or speech. Chinese, Japanese and Korean are counted in characters.
Pick a speed
Choose Slow for technical text or Fast for light reading. Speaking time stays at 130 words a minute. Copy puts the numbers on the clipboard.
FAQ
How is reading time estimated?
Words divided by a reading speed: 150 words a minute for slow, 238 for average adult silent reading, 300 for fast. Speaking time uses 130 words a minute.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The text stays in this tab.
How are Chinese, Japanese and Korean counted?
In characters, not words: 200, 300 or 400 characters a minute for reading and 180 for speaking. Mixed text counts Latin words and CJK characters separately.
Is the average speed right for me?
238 words a minute is the mean for adults reading non-fiction in English (Brysbaert, 2019). Technical text is slower; pick Slow for it.
Can I use it for a speech?
Yes. The speaking row uses a conversational 130 words a minute. Presenters often speak 110–150, so adjust by a minute or two for pauses.