Paste your text or enter a word count to see how long it takes to read, to say out loud as a speech, and to type.
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Average reading speeds
| Activity | Typical speed |
|---|---|
| Silent reading (non-fiction) | About 238 words a minute |
| Silent reading (fiction) | About 260 words a minute |
| Speaking or presenting | About 130–150 words a minute |
| Typing | About 40 words a minute |
A 2019 review of 190 studies by Marc Brysbaert found adults read English non-fiction silently at about 238 words a minute on average.
Uses
- Show a “5 min read” label on blog posts.
- Time a speech or presentation.
- Plan study or revision time.
- Check a video script fits the length you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute read?
About 1,200 words at 238 words a minute.
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 7 minutes at 140 words a minute.
How many words a minute is fast reading?
Around 300 words a minute or more is fast for careful reading.
Is my text uploaded?
No, it’s counted in your browser.
Sources
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