How reading time is calculated
Reading time is calculated by dividing the total word count by your selected reading speed in words per minute (WPM). The default speed of 238 WPM is the median adult silent reading speed, based on research published in the journal Reading and Writing by Brysbaert (2019), which analysed reading speeds across 190 studies.
Average reading speeds by context
Silent reading (adult): 200–300 WPM. Most adults read between 200 and 300 words per minute when reading silently for comprehension. The median is 238 WPM.
Speed reading: 400–700 WPM. Trained speed readers can reach 400–700 WPM, though comprehension typically decreases above 400 WPM.
Out loud / presentations: 120–150 WPM. Speaking pace for presentations and speeches. Audiobooks typically run at 150–160 WPM.
Children (age 6–8): 50–100 WPM. Early readers develop speed with practice, typically reaching adult speeds by age 12–14.
Why reading time matters for content creators
Research by Medium found that articles with a reading time of 7 minutes attract the most engagement — enough to convey depth without overwhelming the reader. For blog posts, 1,500–2,500 words (6–10 minutes) is the sweet spot for SEO and reader retention combined.
Displaying estimated reading time on articles has been shown to increase click-through rates and reduce bounce rates, because readers know the time commitment before they start.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the reading time estimate?
It's a well-researched estimate, not an exact figure. Individual reading speeds vary widely based on familiarity with the subject, text complexity, and reading conditions. The 238 WPM default is the scientific median — roughly half of adults read faster, half slower. Use the speed slider to calibrate for your own pace.
What is the average reading speed for a student?
College students average around 250–300 WPM for academic material, though this drops significantly for dense technical content. For leisure reading, the same student might read at 300–350 WPM. Secondary school students typically read at 200–250 WPM.
How long does it take to read a book?
The average novel is 90,000 words. At 238 WPM reading for one hour per day, that's approximately 6.3 hours of reading time — roughly 6–7 days. A short book of 50,000 words takes around 3.5 hours. Paste a sample chapter to get an accurate estimate for any specific book.
How is speaking time different from reading time?
Speaking aloud is significantly slower than silent reading. The average speaking pace for a clear, natural delivery is 120–150 WPM — roughly half the silent reading speed. This tool uses 130 WPM as the speaking time default, which suits most presentations and narrations.