Reading Time Calculator
Estimate reading or speaking time from a word count and selected mode. The built-in speeds are planning assumptions, not a promise about how long a particular reader will take.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Estimate reading or speaking time from a word count and selected mode. The built-in speeds are planning assumptions, not a promise about how long a particular reader will take.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Word count 1,200 words · Reading mode Silent reading (220 wpm) · Number of pages 0 pages · Words per page 250 words Reading time 5.5 min · Total words 1,200 words
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general date results. Public holidays, working-day conventions and time-zone rules are set locally and change, so confirm against the official calendar for anything legally or contractually binding.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
T = (W + P × w) ÷ v
- W
- Word count
- P
- Page count
- w
- Words per page
- v
- Reading speed (wpm)
- T
- Reading minutes
Fixed mode speeds are planning assumptions, not measured averages; the removed character and pause estimates are not outputs.
Frequently asked questions
Are the reading rates measured averages?
No. The modes use fixed planning assumptions: 220, 150, 130, 400 or 120 words per minute. They are not measured averages or a prediction for an individual reader.