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Create a reading timer for long articles

Written by

Bernardo Palos

in

To create a reading timer for long articles, we can set up a simple system that estimates how long it will take to read based on an average reading speed and adjusts dynamically based on the length of the article.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

  1. Average Reading Speed: Most people read at about 200-250 words per minute (wpm). For simplicity, let’s use 200 wpm.

  2. Word Count: The word count of your article will determine the estimated reading time.

  3. Timer: Based on the word count, calculate the time it will take to read the article.

Example Formula for Reading Time:

  1. Calculate Word Count: Find the number of words in the article (e.g., 1,800 words).

  2. Divide by Average WPM: Divide the total word count by 200 wpm.

    • Example Calculation:

      • 1,800 words ÷ 200 wpm = 9 minutes

  3. Add Buffer: Add an extra minute or two to account for reading breaks, images, and distractions.

How It Would Look for an Article:

Article Details:

  • Word Count: 1,800 words

  • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

  • Timer: Display the time countdown on your article page. This could be done with a simple JavaScript or using a timer plugin if you’re working on a CMS like WordPress.

Sample Timer Setup (for a webpage):

HTML + JavaScript:

html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="UTF-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
  <title>Reading Timer</title>
  <style>
    .timer { font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; }
  </style>
</head>
<body>

  <div id="reading-time"></div>

  <script>
    // Function to estimate reading time
    function calculateReadingTime(wordCount) {
      const wordsPerMinute = 200;
      let minutes = Math.ceil(wordCount / wordsPerMinute); // Round up to nearest minute
      return minutes;
    }

    // Example article with 1800 words
    const articleWordCount = 1800;  
    const estimatedTime = calculateReadingTime(articleWordCount);

    // Display the reading time
    document.getElementById("reading-time").innerHTML = `Estimated reading time: ${estimatedTime} minutes`;

  </script>

</body>
</html>

Key Features:

  1. Real-Time Display: The estimated reading time is displayed as a timer at the top or side of the article.

  2. Adjustable WPM: You can adjust the words-per-minute variable based on the average reading speed of your audience.

  3. Aesthetic: You can design the timer to match your website’s design, ensuring it’s not intrusive but adds value to the reader experience.

This approach helps set expectations for readers and allows them to plan their time accordingly while reading longer content.

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