Words Per Minute Calculator
Measures how fast you read or speak.
Words per minute
— wpm
Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.
Words per second —
Pages per hour —
Time for 1,000 words —
The formula
WPM = words ÷ minutes
To test yourself, read for a timed couple of minutes, then count the words. For typing, use the typing speed calculator, which counts differently.
What to watch out for
Use normal material at a normal pace. Your speed on a hard textbook will be lower than on a novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I work out my words per minute?
Divide words by minutes. 600 words in 2 minutes 30 seconds is 240 WPM.
Is a higher speed always better?
No. If you remember less of it, the speed has not helped. Check by summarising what you read.