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Reading Time Calculator
Estimate reading and speaking time for a draft.
About the Reading Time Calculator
Estimates how long a piece takes to read at adjustable words-per-minute rates, and adds the adjustments that matter: images, code blocks and tables all slow a reader down more than their word count suggests.
The default of around 230 words per minute reflects adult reading of general prose on screen. Technical material runs slower; light listicles run faster. Move the slider to match your audience rather than trusting one number for everything.
A reading-time label near the top of an article is a small courtesy that measurably reduces bounces, because it lets someone decide to save the piece rather than abandon it halfway. It has no direct SEO effect, which is a good reason to add it for the honest reason instead.
Common questions
Why 230 words per minute as the default?
That reflects typical adult reading speed for general prose on a screen. Technical or dense material is usually read slower; light, skimmable content faster — adjust the rate to match your actual audience.
Does adding a reading-time label help SEO?
Not directly, but it measurably reduces bounce rate by letting a visitor decide upfront whether to commit to reading now or save it for later — a genuine usability win regardless of ranking effect.
Do images and code blocks really slow readers down?
Yes — visually processing an image or parsing a code block takes real time beyond the word count alone, which is why this calculator adds time for each rather than counting words only.