Reading Time & Speaking Time Calculator
Paste your text to see how long it takes to read silently and to say out loud. Plan speeches, videos and articles with a word count, adjustable speeds and a target length planner.
Silent reading time
0 sec
Speaking time
0 sec
Time at other speeds
| Speed | Words per min | Time |
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Speech length planner
| Duration | Words needed |
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Averages: adults read about 238 words per minute silently and speak at about 130 to 150 words per minute. Real speeds vary by person, language and topic. Your text stays in your browser.
What Is a Reading Time and Speaking Time Calculator?
A reading time and speaking time calculator estimates how long your text takes to read silently and how long it takes to say out loud. It counts the words in your text and divides them by a reading or speaking speed measured in words per minute.
Bloggers use it to add a reading time to articles. Speakers and students use it to fit a speech into a time slot. Video creators use it to check that a script matches the length of a video.
How to Calculate Reading Time
- Paste your text into the box. You can also press a sample button to try it.
- Choose a silent reading speed: slow, average, fast or your own number.
- Choose a speaking speed for the spoken time.
- Read the results at the top. They update as you type or edit.
You can also add the number of images in your article and a pause for each paragraph if you are planning a spoken piece.
How the Time Is Calculated
The formula is simple: time = number of words divided by words per minute. For example, 1,190 words at 238 words per minute is 5 minutes of silent reading.
- Silent reading: the default is 238 words per minute, which is a commonly used average for adults reading non-fiction. Slow is 180 and fast is 300.
- Speaking: the default is 150 words per minute for normal conversation. Slow presentations are closer to 110 to 130, and fast talkers reach 170 or more.
- Images: each image adds a few seconds, starting at 12 seconds for the first image and going down to 3 seconds.
- Paragraph pauses: you can add a short pause between paragraphs for spoken time.
Average Reading and Speaking Speeds
Speeds vary by person, topic and language. Easy stories are read faster than technical or legal text. Learners and readers of a second language read more slowly. For speaking, public speakers often aim for 120 to 150 words per minute so that listeners can follow. If you give a talk with slides, pauses and questions, plan for the lower end.
Speech Length Planner
The planner turns the question around. Enter the number of minutes you have and the tool shows how many words you need at your chosen speaking speed. If you already pasted a script, it tells you how many words to add or cut to hit the target. The small table lists the number of words for common lengths from 30 seconds to one hour.
Reading Time for Bangla Text
The calculator counts Bangla words correctly, including words with vowel signs and conjunct letters, so you can use it for Bangla articles, speeches and video scripts. The default speeds were measured for English, and Bangla reading speed can differ from person to person. If you know your own pace, choose the custom option and enter it.
Tips for Timing Videos and Speeches
- Read your script aloud once with a timer and compare it with the estimate. Then adjust the speaking speed to match your real pace.
- Leave room for pauses, jokes, questions and slides. Plan about 10 percent less text than the time allows.
- For short videos, aim for about 130 to 160 words per minute. For example, a 60 second video needs about 140 to 150 words.
- Write for the ear. Short sentences are easier to speak and to follow.
Free and Private
The calculator is free and has no word limit. It runs in your browser and your text is never uploaded or stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is reading time calculated?
The tool counts the words in your text and divides them by your chosen reading speed in words per minute. The default speed is 238 words per minute.
How long does it take to speak 1,000 words?
At 150 words per minute, 1,000 words take about 6 minutes and 40 seconds. At a slower presentation pace of 130 words per minute, it takes about 7 minutes and 40 seconds.
How many words is a 5 minute speech?
At 130 to 150 words per minute, a 5 minute speech is about 650 to 750 words. Use the planner to see the number for your own speaking speed.
Does it work with Bangla text?
Yes. It counts Bangla words correctly. Reading speed can differ from English, so use the custom speed option if you know your own pace.
Can I use it to time a video script?
Yes. Paste your script, choose a speaking speed, and compare the result with the length of your video. Use the planner to find how many words to add or cut.
Why is my real reading time different?
The result is an estimate based on average speeds. Your own pace, the difficulty of the text and your familiarity with the topic all change the time.
Can I add time for images and pauses?
Yes. Enter the number of images to add reading time for them, and set a pause in seconds per paragraph to add to the speaking time.
Is my text saved or uploaded?
No. All calculations are done in your browser and your text never leaves your device.