Book & Print Tools › Chapter word count and reading time
Chapter word count and reading time
Knowing how long each chapter is helps you balance a book and judge pacing. This tool splits your Markdown at every level-1 heading and counts the words in each part.
Paste your manuscript below. A chapter is the text under one # heading, up to the next one. Text before the first heading is reported separately. Words are runs of letters and digits, so Markdown symbols, link addresses and list markers do not inflate the count.
Reading time is calculated at 230 words per minute, an average for adult silent reading, and rounded up to whole minutes. Slower or technical material takes longer. The method is stated so you can judge the figure yourself.
How to use it
- Paste the manuscript.
- Read the word count of each chapter.
- Check the total and the reading time.
Worked example
Chapter One has 3 words and Chapter Two has 5.
Questions
- What counts as a chapter?
- Everything under a level-1 heading.
- How is reading time worked out?
- Words divided by 230 words per minute, rounded up.
- Are code blocks counted?
- Their words are counted like any other text.
- Is my text uploaded?
- No. Counting happens in your browser.
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