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How do I estimate the reading time of an article?

Short answer

Use a free reading time calculator that estimates how long an article takes to read from its word count in the browser. Paste your text and it returns an estimated reading time you can show to readers. It needs no account and nothing is uploaded.

Why show a reading time

A reading time label sets expectations for readers and is a small touch that many blogs and newsletters add. It is derived from the word count and a typical reading pace, so it is a quick estimate rather than an exact figure. A calculator does that estimate for you from the text you paste.

Estimated locally

The tool counts the words and computes the estimate in your browser, so your article never leaves your device. You paste the draft, read the estimated time, and can recheck after edits as often as you like, which makes it easy to add a reading-time label to a post, all with no sign-up and no limit.

Step by step

  1. Open the calculator. Open the reading time calculator in your browser.
  2. Paste your article. Enter the article text you want to estimate.
  3. Read the estimate. Read the estimated reading time the tool returns.

Frequently asked questions

How is the time estimated?

It estimates reading time from the word count using a typical reading pace.

Is my article uploaded?

No. The estimate is computed in your browser, so nothing is sent to a server.

Does it cost anything?

No. It is free with no account required.

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