Reading time calculator
Paste a text or enter a book's page count. An adult reads prose at 200-250 words per minute on average, less for technical writing.
The estimate assumes uninterrupted reading. Text with footnotes, tables or formulas takes far longer than prose, and re-reading a difficult passage is not counted.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are on a book page?
Between 250 and 300 in a standard novel format. A densely set technical or academic book can reach 400-500.
How fast does an adult read?
Around 200-250 words per minute with good comprehension. Past 400 detail starts dropping, and the thousands-of-words-per-minute figures from speed-reading courses do not survive comprehension testing.
Does an audiobook take the same time?
No, it is slower. Narrators read at 150-160 words per minute, so an audiobook runs 40-50% longer than reading the same book.