A read time estimator is a simple tool that calculates how long it takes to read an article, blog post, or document. Knowing the estimated reading time helps readers manage their time effectively and keeps them engaged.
Why Use a Read Time Estimator?
Understanding how long an article will take to read improves user experience and increases engagement. Research shows that articles with estimated read time have higher retention rates.
How to Calculate Read Time?
The average adult reads at a speed of 200 to 250 words per minute (WPM). To estimate the read time of a text, use this simple formula:
Read Time (minutes) = Total Word Count ÷ Words Per Minute (WPM)
Example:
If an article has 1,000 words, and the average reading speed is 200 WPM, the estimated read time is:
1,000 ÷ 200 = 5 minutes
Best Tools for Estimating Read Time
- ReadingMeter (Recommended) – Free & accurate read time estimator
- Read-O-Meter – Simple online calculator
- WordCounter – Counts words and estimates read time
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