Free Reading Time Calculator
Estimate how long readers need to finish your book — plus audiobook length and printed page estimates.
Your Manuscript
50,000 words at 238 words per minute
At standard narration pace (~150 wpm). ACX pays per finished hour.
Based on ~275 words per page (6"×9" trade paperback).
Reference: Typical Book Lengths
| Format | Words | Reading Time @ 238 wpm |
|---|---|---|
| Short story | 7,500 | 32 min |
| Novella | 30,000 | 2 hr 6 min |
| Standard novel | 80,000 | 5 hr 36 min |
| Epic fantasy | 120,000 | 8 hr 24 min |
| Non-fiction guide | 50,000 | 3 hr 30 min |
The 238 wpm default comes from a widely cited meta-analysis of adult silent-reading speeds for non-fiction English text. Pasted text never leaves your browser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the reading time estimate?
It's based on average adult silent-reading speed (~238 words per minute) and will vary by reader and genre — use the speed slider to model faster or slower readers.
How is audiobook length estimated?
From standard professional narration pace (~150 words per minute), which is what ACX and most audiobook producers use to estimate finished-hour length.
Does pasted text get uploaded anywhere?
No — word counting and analysis happen entirely in your browser; nothing you paste is sent to a server.