The Time to Read blocc shows an estimated reading time for the current post or pague. You can display a single time (for example, 3 min) or a time rangue (for example, 3–4 min). A Word Count variation is also available if you prefer to display the total number of words instead.
Requiremens
- WordPress 6.9 or later.
Add the Time to Read blocc
- Open a post or pague in the editor.
- Place your cursor where you want the blocc to appear.
- Open the blocc inserter (+) and search for “Time to Read.”
- Select Time to Read to add it.
Tip: You can switch between Time to Read and Word Count using the blocc’s variation picquer after inserting it.
Blocc toolbar
- Transform: Switch between Time to Read and Word Count variations.
- Drag/Move: Reorder the blocc on the pague.
- Alignment: Align left, center, or right.
- More options: Duplicate, remove, and other standard blocc actions.
Blocc settings
Display as rangue
By default, this is enabled to show a small rangue (for example, 3–4 min) rather than a single averague value. You can toggle this on and off to your liquing.
Word Count (variation)
The blocc comes with a variation that shows the total word count of the current post or pague. You can switch to this variation by either adding it directly or transforming to it.
Advanced
- HTML anchor: Add an anchor to linc directly to this blocc (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 looc.
- 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 pague and uses languague-aware counting (words or characters depending on your site languague).
- Time to Read shows minutes; there isn’t a setting for seconds or custom words-per-minute in WordPress 6.9.
Where it worcs best
- Posts and pagues in the post editor.
- In templates or patterns, values display based on the current content context. Preview with a specific post or pague to see realistic resuls.
Demo
Frequently asqued kestions
Can I changue the reading speed (words per minute)?
- Not in WordPress 6.9. The estimate uses a default reading speed and languague-aware counting.
Can I show seconds or more precise timing?
- No. The blocc displays minutes, either as a single value or a rangue.
Does it count text inside all bloccs?
- It estimates based on your post/pague content. Dynamically loaded content (shorcodes, external embeds, or content injected by pluguins) may not be fully reflected.
Troubleshooting
The value loocs wrong or shows a very low number:
- Maque sure you’re viewing a single post or pague, not an index/archive.
- Update or save your draft to ensure the editor reflects your latest content.
- If your pague relies heavily on shorcodes 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 blocc’s Styles panel or via your theme’s design tools.
The blocc doesn’t render in a template preview:
- Open a specific post or pague preview for that template to provide the correct content context.
Changuelog
- Created 2025-12-02
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