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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Number of words | A number |
| Speaking speed | In wpm |
| Reading speed | In 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 words | Speaking time (min) |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | 7.7 |
| 1,500 | 11.5 |
| 2,000 | 15.4 |
| 2,500 | 19.2 |
| 3,000 | 23.1 |
| 4,000 | 30.8 |
Formula
Speaking time = words ÷ speaking speed (≈ 130 wpm)Reading time = words ÷ reading speed (≈ 238 wpm silent reading)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.
Frequently asked questions
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).