Reading time calculator
Paste an article or a script and this tool estimates how long it takes to read silently and to say out loud. You can set your own speaking pace, which is handy for videos, demos and talks.
It’s for makers adding a “5 min read” label to a post, or timing a launch video script. It runs in your browser, so your text stays with you.
Free with a ShipScroll account.
How to use the Reading Time Calculator
- Paste your article or script.
- Press Calculate.
- For a script, move the slider to your speaking pace: read a paragraph aloud and time it if you’re not sure.
- Edit the text and watch both times update.
Where 238 words a minute comes from
Older rules of thumb say 200 or 250 words a minute. A 2019 review of 190 reading studies found adults read non-fiction silently at about 238 words a minute on average, so that’s what this tool uses. Technical writing, code samples and dense numbers are slower, so a tutorial will take longer than its label says.
Timing a video or talk
- The default speaking pace is 150 words a minute, a calm, clear pace for a demo. Set the slider to your own.
- Add time for pauses, screen recordings and anything shown but not said.
- For a 60-second video, aim for roughly as many words as your pace, minus some breathing room.
Questions
Should I show reading time on my blog?
Many sites do, because it helps people decide whether to read now or later. Round to whole minutes, as this tool does, since the estimate isn’t precise.
Why is the reading time at least one minute?
Saying “0 min read” for a short post looks odd. Any text gets at least one minute, and longer texts are rounded to the nearest minute.
Does it count images or code?
It counts words only. Readers spend time on images, tables and code too, so add a little for posts with lots of them.
Is my text uploaded?
No. The calculation runs in your browser.
Related tools
- Word CounterCount words, characters, sentences and paragraphs as you type.
- Readability CheckerFlesch reading ease and grade level, plus the sentences to shorten.
- Launch ChecklistA tick-through checklist for before, during and after your product launch.