Productivity

Reading Time Calculator

Estimate how long it takes to read any text or book.

Calculate reading time for articles, books, or scripts based on word count and your reading speed. Useful for content planning, study scheduling, and audiobook estimates.

Calculator inputs

Enter your numbers

Average adult: 200-300 wpm

Results update as you change the inputs. Calculations run in your browser.

Reading Time

21 min

at Slow Pace
28 min at 180 wpm
at Fast Pace
14 min at 350 wpm
spoken Time
38 min if read aloud
See the formula

Formula and method

Time = Word Count / Words Per Minute

Average adult silent reading is 200-300 wpm; spoken pace is ~130 wpm. Comprehension drops above 400 wpm.

Worked examples

300-page novel (~90,000 words)

Word Count:
90000
Reading Speed (words/min):
240

Reading Time: 6.3 hours

Assumptions and limits

  • Continuous reading without breaks

This tool provides an educational estimate. Rules, rates and personal circumstances can change the answer. Review the assumptions before relying on a result. Report a correction.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing silent reading with audiobook narration speed.
  • Ignoring complexity — technical text reads slower.

Frequently asked questions

How fast can humans read?

Speed readers claim 700+ wpm but comprehension drops below 50%. 250 wpm is the sweet spot.

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