About this calculator
The speaking time is useful for speeches and presentations.
How to use it
- Choose words or pages.
- Enter the count.
- Enter your reading speed.
The formula
Reading time = words ÷ words per minute
- words per minute
- about 230 for average adults
- speaking
- about 130 words a minute
Worked example
A 2,500-word article
- At 230 words a minute: about 11 minutes.
- Read aloud at 130 words a minute: about 20 minutes.
What the result means
Study reading is slower than reading for pleasure; lower the speed for textbooks.
Assumptions
- Steady reading speed.
Limitations
- Technical text and other languages read at different speeds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a 300-page book take?
At 275 words a page and 230 words a minute, about 6 hours.
What is an average reading speed?
About 200 to 250 words a minute.
How long is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at 130 words a minute.
Last reviewed on 3 October 2026. Found a mistake? Tell us.