Convert words to time.

The time it takes to read 490 words can vary significantly based on several factors. Our calculator uses established averages for words per minute (WPM) to give you a reliable estimate, but your actual time may differ.

Reading Aloud vs. Silent Reading: Speaking takes more time than reading silently. When you read aloud, you average around 130 WPM, while silent reading speeds are closer to 250 WPM for the average person. This is why our tool provides separate options for each.

Content Complexity: The difficulty of the text also plays a major role. Technical documents, academic papers, or dense legal text will naturally take longer to read and comprehend than a simple blog post or novel. Consider selecting a "slow" reading speed for more complex material to get a more accurate time estimate.