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Reading Time Calculator

'6 min read' labels set reader expectations and lift engagement — but only when they're accurate. This calculator uses the research-backed adult average of 238 words per minute, alongside slow (180) and fast (300) profiles, plus a 130-wpm speaking rate for podcast and video scripts.

Reading time (average)

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At 238 wpm — the adult silent-reading average

Slow reader

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180 wpm

Fast reader

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300 wpm

Speaking time

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130 wpm — for podcasts/video scripts

Words

Paste your draft, get all four figures instantly, and add the average one to your post header.

How to Use the Reading Time Calculator

1Paste your article or script.
2Read the average, slow, and fast reading-time estimates.
3Use the speaking-time figure for audio/video scripts.
4Display the average figure as your 'X min read' label.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is reading time calculated?

Word count ÷ reading speed. The evidence-based average for adult silent reading of non-fiction is ~238 wpm; most tools use 200–265.

Do reading-time labels improve engagement?

Yes — they set expectations and reduce bounce on longer pieces; Medium popularized them for exactly that reason. Accuracy matters: undershooting frustrates readers.

What speaking rate should I use for scripts?

125–150 wpm for a natural presenting pace; 130 is a safe planning number. A 1,300-word script is roughly a 10-minute video.

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