Reading Time Calculator: How Long to Read That Article
Reading time estimates help readers decide whether to start an article and help writers plan content length. The calculation is straightforward — total words divided by reading speed — but the right speed depends on what kind of text it is.
Average adult reading speed is about 200–250 words per minute (WPM) for general content. Technical or dense material runs slower (150 WPM); easy-reading fiction faster (300 WPM); audiobook narration is paced around 150 WPM. The calculator uses 200 WPM by default — a middle ground that approximates online article reading.
Reading speed benchmarks
| Content type | WPM |
|---|---|
| Technical / academic | 100–150 |
| News / online article | 200–250 |
| Easy fiction | 300+ |
| Audiobook narration | ~150 |
| Speed reading (proficient) | 400–700 |
Extended FAQ
Why do blogs add reading time estimates?
Reader expectation management. People are more likely to start an article if they know the time commitment, and bounce-rates drop when expectations match reality.
Is my pasted text stored?
No — runs entirely in your browser.