BCBetter Calculators

Reading Time Calculator

Estimate how long it will take to read a book or article based on page count and reading speed.

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Enter your values and click Calculate

How It Works

Total reading time in minutes is calculated by dividing the page count by the selected reading speed in pages per minute — for example, 300 pages at 2 pages per minute gives 150 minutes total. The hours and remaining minutes are then split using integer division and the modulo operation: hours equals the floor of total minutes divided by 60, and remaining minutes equals total minutes mod 60. Days to finish is calculated by dividing total reading time by your daily reading allotment in minutes, then rounding up with a ceiling function so the estimate is never an undercount. If your reading session is shorter than one page per minute equivalent, the days count will rise accordingly. All three results update together whenever any input changes, so you can quickly experiment with different pace and schedule combinations.

Examples

Average novel
300 pages at average speed, 30 minutes per day.
Result: 150 minutes (2.5 hours) total. Finish in 5 days.
Textbook
500 pages at slow speed, 45 minutes per day.
Result: 500 minutes (8h 20m). Finish in ~12 days.
Speed reading a short book
150 pages at speed reading pace, 20 minutes per day.
Result: 30 minutes total. Finish in just 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average reading speed?
Most adults read about 200–250 words per minute, which equates to roughly 1–2 pages per minute depending on page density and font size. Academic or technical text is typically slower, while light fiction tends to be faster.
Does the type of content affect reading time?
Significantly. Dense technical text, legal documents, or academic writing can slow readers to well under a page per minute, while entertaining fiction may be read at 3 or more pages per minute. Always adjust the speed selector to match the difficulty of your material.
How can I read faster without losing comprehension?
Techniques such as minimising subvocalisation (silently pronouncing words), using a pointer or finger to guide your eyes, and practising with timed sessions have all been shown to improve reading speed. However, comprehension should always be the priority — speed is only useful if the information is retained.

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