Why Add Reading Time to Your Content?

Providing an estimated reading time at the beginning of an article is a small but considerate touch that readers appreciate. In a fast-paced digital world, people often have limited time. Knowing whether an article is a quick 2-minute read or a more in-depth 15-minute piece helps them decide whether to read it now, save it for later, or skip it. This transparency can improve user experience and engagement on your website or blog.

How is Reading Time Calculated?

The calculation is based on a simple formula:

Reading Time = Total Word Count / Words Per Minute (WPM)

This calculator automatically counts the words in the text you provide and divides them by the average reading speed you set. The result is then rounded to the nearest minute.

Average Reading Speeds

Reading speed varies from person to person. While this calculator defaults to 200 WPM, a widely cited average for adults, speeds can differ based on the reader's skill and the complexity of the text.

For most online content and general audiences, a speed between 200 and 230 WPM is a safe and realistic estimate.