How Reading Time is Calculated | Rune

You've seen it everywhere: "5 min read" on Medium, blog posts, and news sites. But how is reading time calculated? And why does it matter? Let's break it down.

The Formula

Reading time is calculated with a simple formula:

Reading Time (minutes) = Total Words ÷ Words Per Minute (WPM)

Rune uses 200 WPM as the standard—the average silent reading speed for adults reading English.

Example

If your article has 1,000 words:

1,000 ÷ 200 = 5 minutes

Why 200 WPM?

Research suggests adults read at 200-300 WPM, depending on content complexity:

Content Type	Typical WPM
Easy Fiction	250-300 WPM
Blog Posts	200-250 WPM
Technical Content	150-200 WPM
Academic Papers	100-150 WPM

Rune uses 200 WPM as a balanced average suitable for most online content.

Why Reading Time Matters

Sets Reader Expectations

Displaying reading time helps readers decide whether to commit. A "2 min read" is a quick scan; a "15 min read" requires dedicated time.

Improves User Experience

When readers know the time investment upfront, they're less likely to bounce. This improves engagement metrics and SEO.

Guides Content Strategy

Knowing reading time helps content creators plan article length:

• Quick updates: 2-3 minutes (400-600 words)
• Standard posts: 5-7 minutes (1,000-1,400 words)
• Deep dives: 10-15 minutes (2,000-3,000 words)

How to Use Reading Time in Your Content

Display It on Your Blog

Many CMS platforms (WordPress, Ghost, Medium) display reading time automatically. If yours doesn't, calculate it manually and add it to your template.

Plan Your Writing

Before drafting, estimate the reading time you're aiming for. Then use Rune's Word Counter to track progress.

Adjust for Your Audience

• Technical audience? They may read slower; consider reducing target length.
• Casual readers? Keep it shorter and punchier.

Limitations of Reading Time Estimates

• Doesn't account for images: Readers pause on visuals.
• Ignores code blocks: Developers read code differently than prose.
• Varies by individual: Some readers skim; others savor every word.

Conclusion

Reading time is a powerful metric for content planning and user experience. Rune's Word Counter calculates it instantly, so you always know how long your content takes to consume.