Reading Speed Calculator

Track how quickly you read by dividing the number of words in a passage by the time it took to finish. This reading speed calculator outputs words per minute (wpm) so you can compare performance across books, study material, and speech practice.

Paste a document into a word processor to get an accurate word count before timing.
Enter total minutes spent reading. Convert seconds to decimals (e.g., 30 seconds = 0.5 minutes).

Reading speed varies with text difficulty and attention.

Examples

  • 2,400-word article finished in 12 minutes ⇒ 200 wpm
  • 1,000-word brief completed in 6.5 minutes ⇒ 153.85 wpm

FAQ

What is a typical adult reading speed?

Most adults read in the 200–250 wpm range when working through non-technical material. Complex texts usually reduce that pace.

Does comprehension quality affect the calculation?

The formula only uses word count and time. Track comprehension separately by taking notes or self-quizzing after each session.

Can I use this for aloud reading or speeches?

Yes. Time your delivery, enter the script's word count, and adjust pacing to stay between 140–170 wpm for clear speaking.

How do I convert the decimal minutes back into minutes and seconds?

Multiply the decimal portion by 60. For example, 6.5 minutes equals 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

Additional Information

  • The result is words per minute. Multiply by your study session length to estimate how many words you can cover.
  • For audiobook narration or speeches, treat the output as spoken words per minute to match an audience-friendly pace.

Related calculators