Reading Time Calculator Widget

Add a reading time calculator to your blog or writing resources. Readers enter a word count or paste text, choose a reading and speaking speed, and get the estimated minutes - optionally allowing time for images.

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<iframe src="https://a2z.tools/embed/w/reading-time-calculator" title="Reading Time Calculator by A2Z Tools" width="100%" height="530" style="border:0;width:100%" loading="lazy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>

A plain iframe. Works everywhere, including site builders that strip scripts. Adjust height if your content needs more room.

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How it works

Reading time is the word count divided by a reading speed. The default, 238 words per minute, is the average silent reading rate for English non-fiction found in Brysbaert's 2019 review of 190 studies (fiction: 260 wpm); slower and faster presets bracket most adult readers. Speaking time uses 130-170 wpm, from presentation pace to fast conversation, which is useful for speeches, podcasts and video scripts. Words in pasted text are counted with A2Z's shared text engine, the same one used by the Word Counter. The optional image allowance follows Medium's published rule: 12 seconds for the first image, one second less for each next image, never below 3 seconds.

Calculation method

  • Reading time = words / reading speed (wpm)
  • Presets: 150, 238 (non-fiction average), 260 (fiction average), 300, 450 wpm (Brysbaert 2019)
  • Speaking time = words / 130, 150 or 170 wpm
  • Images: 12 s for the first, then 11, 10 ... down to a 3 s minimum each (Medium)
  • "min read" = ceiling(total seconds / 60), at least 1; the exact minutes and seconds are shown beside it

Limitations

  • Averages only: a single reader may be twice as fast or slow, and dyslexia, second-language reading or screen readers change the pace a lot.
  • Tables, code blocks, formulas and embedded video are not given extra time; only images are.
  • Speaking rates are presentation rules of thumb, not measured from the text, and do not add pauses for slides or questions.

Where publishers use it

  • Blog themes and newsletters that show "5 min read"
  • Speechwriting and podcast guides that time a script
  • Teachers estimating reading assignments
  • Content strategy articles on ideal article length

Questions

Where does 238 words per minute come from?

It is the mean silent reading speed for English non-fiction in Marc Brysbaert's 2019 meta-analysis of 190 studies with 18,573 participants.

Why is the "min read" rounded up?

Readers find "7 min read" more useful than "6 min 18 sec"; the exact time is shown too.

Should I add time for images?

If an article relies on charts or photos, yes. The option applies Medium's rule of 12 seconds for the first image, decreasing to 3 seconds.

Does it work for other languages?

Word counts do, but reading speeds differ by language and script, so the times are best for English.

Sources

  1. Brysbaert, M. (2019). How many words do we read per minute? A review and meta-analysis of reading rate. Journal of Memory and Language 109, 104047 - Elsevier . 238 wpm non-fiction and 260 wpm fiction silent reading; 183 wpm reading aloud
  2. Read time - Medium Help Center . Image allowance: 12 s for the first image, one second less for each next, 3 s from the tenth on

Cite or recommend this tool

If you reference this tool in an article, course or documentation, these formats are ready to copy. They are optional - nothing is added to your site unless you paste it.

A2Z Tools Reading Time Calculator
https://a2z.tools/embed/reading-time-calculator

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