Reading time calculator — minutes to read or speak
Paste an article or a talk script and see how long it takes to read silently and to speak aloud. It counts in your browser (0 uploads, works offline), so an unpublished draft stays on your device.
How to use it
- Paste your text or script.
- See reading time (200 wpm) and speaking time (130 wpm), plus the word count.
- Copy the figures for a brief or a talk plan.
FAQ
How do I calculate reading time for an article for free?
Paste the text and the reading time appears instantly, based on 200 words per minute, calculated in your browser with no upload. Speaking time uses 130 words per minute, the usual pace for a talk.
Why two different times?
People read faster than they speak. 200 wpm is a common silent-reading average; 130 wpm is a comfortable presentation pace — useful when you are timing a script to a slot.
Is my text uploaded?
No. Counting happens locally and nothing is stored; it works offline.
Can I trust the estimate for my audience?
Treat it as a planning figure. Reading speed varies with the reader and the material, so it is a good default, not a measurement of any particular person.
Limits
Estimates use fixed words-per-minute rates and do not account for images, code blocks or how technical the text is.
Related
The word counter gives the full breakdown; the readability scorer tells you how hard the text is to read.
Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D, or ⌘D on Mac) or install the app — it works offline the next time you need it.