# Words per Minute Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/everyday-life/words-per-minute/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The words per minute calculator works out how long it takes to read or say a text from its word count, at average or custom reading and speaking speeds, and how many words fit a time limit.

## Inputs

- Number of words
- Speaking speed (wpm)
- Reading speed (wpm)

## Results

- Speaking time
- Reading time
- Speaking time (min:s)
- Reading time (min:s)

## Formula

```
Speaking time = words ÷ speaking speed (≈ 130 wpm)
Reading time = words ÷ reading speed (≈ 238 wpm silent reading)
```

## Explanation

Adults read non-fiction silently at an average of about 238 words per minute and fiction at about 260, according to a 2019 meta-analysis. Speaking is slower, around 130 words per minute in conversation and presentations. These speeds help plan speeches, podcasts, videos and reading lists.

### How to use the Words per Minute Calculator

- **Number of words**
- **Speaking speed**
- **Reading speed**
- Every result field is editable: type into **Speaking time** and **Number of words** plus every other field update to match.

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the number of words and adjust the reading and speaking speeds if you know your own.

### Tips

- Track a typical week before planning – real figures beat estimates.
- Break big tasks into smaller pieces and plan buffer time for interruptions.
- Re-run the numbers when your inputs change so plans stay realistic.
- Use results as a guide for decisions, not as a precise prediction.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Counting calendar days when the deadline is in working days (or the reverse).
- Forgetting breaks, setup and handover time.
- Assuming every day is as productive as your best day.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterNumber of wordsA numberSpeaking speedIn wpmReading speedIn wpm

### What each result means

- **Speaking time** = [Number of words]÷[Speaking speed]
- **Reading time** = [Number of words]÷[Reading speed]
- **Speaking time (min:s)** = [Speaking time]
- **Reading time (min:s)** = [Reading time]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Number of words** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Number of wordsSpeaking time (min)1,0007.71,50011.52,00015.42,50019.23,00023.14,00030.8

## Worked example

Inputs — Number of words: 2,000; Speaking speed: 130 wpm; Reading speed: 238 wpm.

Results — **Speaking time = 15.4 min**; Reading time = 8.4 min; Speaking time (min:s) = 15:23; Reading time (min:s) = 8:24.

## FAQ

**How many words per minute does the average person read?**
About 238 wpm for non-fiction and 260 for fiction in silent reading (Brysbaert, 2019).

**How long does it take to read 2,000 words?**
About 8–9 minutes silently, or 15 minutes aloud.

**How many words is a 10-minute speech?**
About 1,300 words at 130 wpm.

**What formula does the Words per Minute Calculator use?**
Speaking time = words ÷ speaking speed (≈ 130 wpm).


## Sources

- [Brysbaert, M. (2019) – How many words do we read per minute? Journal of Memory and Language](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2019.104047)