Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long it takes to read or speak your text. Perfect for blog posts, essays, speeches, presentations, and podcast scripts.
0
Words
0 sec
@ 238 wpm
Silent Reading
0 sec
@ 130 wpm
Speaking Aloud
0 sec
@ 110 wpm
Presentation
Word Complexity
0%
Complex Words (3+ syllables)
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Vocabulary Complexity
Common Length Targets
Blog post (7 min read)
Target: ~1,666 words
5-min speech
Target: ~650 words
10-min presentation
Target: ~1,100 words
20-min keynote
Target: ~2,200 words
30-min podcast episode
Target: ~3,900 words
1-min elevator pitch
Target: ~130 words
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is reading time calculated?
- Reading time is calculated at 238 words per minute, which is the average silent reading speed for adults. The calculator divides your word count by this rate and rounds up to the nearest half-minute for practical estimates.
- How fast do people speak in a presentation?
- Most presenters speak at 120 to 150 words per minute. This tool uses 130 words per minute as a moderate presentation pace. Professional speakers and podcasters typically aim for 150 to 180 words per minute for clarity and engagement.
- How long should a 5-minute speech be?
- A 5-minute speech at a moderate pace of 130 words per minute should be approximately 650 words. At a faster pace of 150 words per minute, a 5-minute speech would be about 750 words.
- What is word complexity and how does it affect reading time?
- Word complexity measures the proportion of long words (3 or more syllables) in your text. Higher complexity usually means slower reading as readers process unfamiliar or technical vocabulary. Academic texts typically have higher complexity than casual writing.