Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long your text takes to read silently or speak aloud, from its word count. Free and private.
How long will this actually take?
Whether you are timing a blog post, a newsletter, a speech, or a podcast script, this reading time calculator turns your word count into a real estimate. It assumes a silent reading pace you can adjust with the slider (200 words per minute by default) and a steadier 130 words per minute for reading aloud, since we naturally slow down when we speak. Times are shown as minutes and seconds, and everything is computed right in your browser.
The script you timed, ready on the next device
You polish a talk on your laptop, then need it on your phone at the podium an hour later. Relic keeps everything you copy in a searchable, end-to-end encrypted history that syncs across every device you own, so the script you timed here is already waiting when you switch screens. Estimating the time is free. Having your words follow you everywhere is what Relic adds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the reading time of my text?
Paste or type your text into the box and the estimated reading time appears at the top, updating live as you go. It counts your words and divides by a reading speed, showing the answer in minutes and seconds.
What reading speed does the calculator use?
It defaults to 200 words per minute, a common silent-reading pace for adults, but you can drag the slider anywhere from 100 to 400 words per minute to match your audience. It also shows a speaking time based on a steadier 130 words per minute, since we slow down when reading aloud.
Why is the speaking time longer than the reading time?
Because we speak more slowly than we read silently. The tool fixes the speaking pace at 130 words per minute while the default reading pace is 200, so the same text will always take longer to say out loud than to read in your head. That gap is useful when you are timing a speech or a script.
How should I use this for a presentation or podcast?
Paste your script and read the speaking time rather than the reading time, since that is the estimate based on speaking aloud at 130 words per minute. If you know your own pace, drag the reading-speed slider to match and use that number instead, then trim your script until the estimate fits your slot.
Does my text stay private?
Yes. The word count and timing are all computed in your browser, so your text is never uploaded to a server. You can time an unpublished article or a confidential talk without it leaving your device.