Time to Read block

The Time to Read block shows an estimated reading time for the current post or page. You can display a single time (for example, 3 min) or a time range (for example, 3–4 min). A Word Count variation is also available if you prefer to display the total number of words instead.

Requirements

• WordPress 6.9 or later.

Add the Time to Read block

1. Open a post or page in the editor.
2. Place your cursor where you want the block to appear.
3. Open the block inserter (+) and search for “Time to Read.”
4. Select Time to Read to add it.

Tip: You can switch between Time to Read and Word Count using the block’s variation picker after inserting it.

Block toolbar

• Transform: Switch between Time to Read and Word Count variations.
• Drag/Move: Reorder the block on the page.
• Alignment: Align left, center, or right.
• More options: Duplicate, remove, and other standard block actions.

Block settings

Display as range

By default, this is enabled to show a small range (for example, 3–4 min) rather than a single average value. You can toggle this on and off to your liking.

Word Count (variation)

The block comes with a variation that shows the total word count of the current post or page. You can switch to this variation by either adding it directly or transforming to it.

Advanced

• HTML anchor: Add an anchor to link directly to this block (for example, article#reading-time).
• Additional CSS class(es): Add custom classes for further styling.

Tips

• Place Time to Read near the title or byline so readers see it immediately.
• Use consistent styling across posts for a cohesive look.
• Consider using the Word Count variation for long-form content alongside Time to Read, depending on your audience.

How it’s calculated

• The estimate is based on the content of the current post or page and uses language-aware counting (words or characters depending on your site language).
• Time to Read shows minutes; there isn’t a setting for seconds or custom words-per-minute in WordPress 6.9.

Where it works best

• Posts and pages in the post editor.
• In templates or patterns, values display based on the current content context. Preview with a specific post or page to see realistic results.

Demo

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the reading speed (words per minute)?

• Not in WordPress 6.9. The estimate uses a default reading speed and language-aware counting.

Can I show seconds or more precise timing?

• No. The block displays minutes, either as a single value or a range.

Does it count text inside all blocks?

• It estimates based on your post/page content. Dynamically loaded content (shortcodes, external embeds, or content injected by plugins) may not be fully reflected.

Troubleshooting

The value looks wrong or shows a very low number:

• Make sure you’re viewing a single post or page, not an index/archive.
• Update or save your draft to ensure the editor reflects your latest content.
• If your page relies heavily on shortcodes or external embeds, note the estimate may not include all external text.

Styles don’t match the editor preview:

• Theme styles affect the frontend appearance. Adjust colors/typography in the block’s Styles panel or via your theme’s design tools.

The block doesn’t render in a template preview:

• Open a specific post or page preview for that template to provide the correct content context.