Reading Time Estimator — How Long to Read Any Text

The widely cited figure is 238 words per minute for silent reading, based on a large 2019 meta-analysis by Marc Brysbaert of Ghent University. This applies to typical adult readers reading general non-technical English text. Reading speed varies by content type: technical documentation is typically read at 150–180 WPM, while light editorial content can reach 250–300 WPM. Children and non-native English speakers read more slowly; highly proficient readers read faster. This tool uses 238 WPM as the “Average Reader” estimate and 150 WPM as the slow baseline.

Reading time is calculated by dividing the total word count by the estimated reading speed in words per minute. For example, a 1,000-word article at 238 WPM gives a reading time of approximately 4.2 minutes, displayed as “5 min” (rounded up to the nearest minute). This tool counts words using space-separated tokens and applies the calculation live as you type.

Reading time estimates how long it takes to silently read a text. Speaking time estimates how long it takes to say the same words out loud. Speech is slower than silent reading: the average speaking rate is around 150 words per minute, compared to 238 WPM for silent reading. A 1,000-word speech takes around 7 minutes to deliver but only 4 minutes to read. If you are preparing a presentation, script, or podcast, use the speaking time estimate rather than the reading time figure.

For most audiences, a 5–7 minute read is the sweet spot for informational blog content. At 238 WPM, that equates to roughly 1,200–1,700 words. Short posts under 2 minutes can feel thin and unsatisfying unless the topic is genuinely narrow. Very long posts over 15 minutes may deter casual readers unless the content is clearly reference material or deep-dive analysis. Use the reading time estimate to sanity-check length before you publish.

Not directly — Google does not use reading time as a ranking signal. However, content that matches its stated reading time tends to have better engagement metrics: lower bounce rates, higher scroll depth, and more time on page. These engagement signals may influence rankings indirectly. More practically, showing a reading time label improves user experience and sets accurate expectations, which tends to improve reader satisfaction and return visits.