Reading Time Calculator
Paste any text to get word count, character count, reading time, and see how long it would take to produce by typing vs. dictation.
Average reading speed
The average adult reads at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction and 260 WPM for fiction. Speed readers can reach 400–700 WPM, though comprehension typically decreases above 300 WPM.
How reading time is calculated
This tool divides your total word count by 238 WPM (the average reading speed) to estimate reading time. It also calculates how long the text would take to produce by typing (at 40 WPM) versus voice dictation (at 150 WPM).
Why this matters for writers
Understanding the reading time of your content helps you gauge audience engagement. Blog posts of 7–8 minutes (about 1,800 words) tend to perform best for engagement. Knowing how long content takes to produce helps you plan your writing schedule.