ConfidenceCheck provides an estimated read time for your emails to help you gauge how long recipients will spend reading your content. This estimate is calculated using both word count and image count to give you an accurate prediction of reading duration.
How the Calculation Works
Estimated read time combines two factors: the time needed to read your text and the time needed to view your images. These values are calculated separately and then added together to provide your total estimated read time.
Word-Based Reading Time
The word count in your email is converted to reading time using an average reading speed measured in words per minute; we use a rate of 265 words per minute in our calculation. This industry-standard approach accounts for the time recipients need to read and comprehend your written content.
Image-Based Viewing Time
Images are calculated differently because readers spend varying amounts of time viewing them depending on their position in the email. The calculation works as follows:
First 10 images: Each image receives decreasing time allocation
- First image: 12 seconds
- Second image: 11 seconds
- Third image: 10 seconds
- Fourth image: 9 seconds
- Fifth image: 8 seconds
- Sixth image: 7 seconds
- Seventh image: 6 seconds
- Eighth image: 5 seconds
- Ninth image: 4 seconds
- Tenth image: 3 seconds
Images 11 and beyond: Each additional image receives 3 seconds
Note: The decreasing time allocation reflects how readers typically scan images more quickly after viewing several in a row, rather than studying each one carefully.
Total Read Time Display
Once word time and image time are calculated separately, they are added together. The final total is then rounded up to the nearest full minute for display in the ConfidenceCheck interface.
For example, if your email has a calculated read time of 2 minutes and 15 seconds, ConfidenceCheck will display this as 3 minutes to provide a conservative estimate.
How to Use This Information
Understanding the read time calculation helps you optimize your emails:
Keep emails concise: If your estimated read time exceeds 3-5 minutes, consider breaking content into multiple emails or removing less critical information.
Balance text and images: Remember that images 11 and beyond add minimal time. If you have many images, the first 10 will have the greatest impact on read time.
Test different formats: Use the estimated read time to compare different email layouts and find the optimal balance between engagement and brevity.
Set audience expectations: Share the estimated read time in your email subject line or preview text to help recipients decide when to read your message.