What is the Reading Time Calculator?
A reading time calculator estimates how many minutes a text takes to read by dividing its word count by a reading speed: reading time = words ÷ words per minute. AnyShift defaults to 238 wpm, the average silent reading speed of adults for non-fiction, so a 1,000-word article takes about 4 minutes 12 seconds.
It also gives speaking time for speeches, podcasts and video scripts (150 wpm conversational by default) and a rounded “X min read” label calculated at 265 wpm, the speed Medium uses. Each Markdown or HTML image in the text adds 12 seconds of reading time. Everything runs in your browser.
How to use the Reading Time Calculator
- Choose a Reading speed: slow (200 wpm), average adult (238), fast (300) or skimming (450).
- Choose a Speaking speed: presentation pace (130 wpm), conversational (150), podcast / audiobook (160) or fast speaker (180).
- Paste your article, essay or script into the text box — results update automatically.
- Read the Words, Reading time, Speaking time and Medium-style label cards.
Why use AnyShift's Reading Time Calculator
Popular use cases
- Adding “5 min read” labels to blog posts and newsletters
- Timing a wedding toast, best man speech or class presentation
- Planning word counts for YouTube videos and podcast scripts
- Estimating study time for assigned readings
- Checking a talk fits a 10-minute conference slot
Reading and speaking time by word count
| Words | Reading (238 wpm) | Speaking (150 wpm) | Medium label (265 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 1 min 16 sec | 2 min | 2 min read |
| 500 | 2 min 6 sec | 3 min 20 sec | 2 min read |
| 750 | 3 min 9 sec | 5 min | 3 min read |
| 1,000 | 4 min 12 sec | 6 min 40 sec | 4 min read |
| 1,500 | 6 min 18 sec | 10 min | 6 min read |
| 2,000 | 8 min 24 sec | 13 min 20 sec | 8 min read |
To count words and check readability at the same time, use the Word Counter.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
What is the average reading speed?
How does Medium calculate read time?
Do images change the reading time?
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Last reviewed: Built for: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France Part of Text & Education