Example
A 600-word passage at 200 WPM takes about 3 minutes. At 150 WPM, the same passage takes about 4 minutes.
Writing tool
Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long a passage, article, or presentation script may take to read at a speed you choose.
Estimate the pace
Calculate reading time
Paste your text and use the default 200 words per minute, or enter a positive speed that better matches your audience.
The default of 200 WPM is a general estimate. A slower or faster passage may need a different value.
Estimated reading time
0min0sec
An empty passage returns zero minutes and zero seconds.
The estimate
Speed is the main variable
The calculator counts words in your passage, divides by your chosen words-per-minute speed, and displays the result as minutes and seconds. Skimming, technical terms, diagrams, and pauses can make a real reading session longer.
The quick guide
Turn a word count into a time estimate
The result is a planning aid for articles, notes, speeches, and scripts—not a guarantee of the time every reader will need.
When to adjust WPM
Use a slower speed for dense research, unfamiliar vocabulary, or aloud reading. Use a faster speed for a quick skim of familiar material.
Limitations
Reading is more than a division
Images, tables, references, pauses, and comprehension checks are not represented by word count. Presentation delivery and accessibility needs can also make the real duration longer.
FAQ
Why is 200 WPM the default?
It is a convenient general starting point for ordinary silent reading. It is not a universal reading speed.
What does an empty passage show?
An empty passage produces zero minutes and zero seconds, so you can see the neutral starting state clearly.
Can I use a decimal reading speed?
Yes. Any positive number is accepted when a more precise personal or audience pace is useful.