eLearning Seat Time Calculator

Estimate course completion time using research-backed methodology. Based on reading speed data from 190 studies with over 18,000 participants.

  • Accurate estimates for compliance reporting
  • Research-backed reading speed options
  • Accounts for interactive elements
27 minutes
2,500 words · 17 interactive blocks

Balanced estimate for most adult learners reading online content.

What is seat time in eLearning?

Seat time refers to the estimated duration a learner spends actively engaged with an eLearning course. It's a critical metric for course designers, compliance officers, and learning managers.

Learning Management Systems (LMS) track seat time to verify course completion, award credits, and generate compliance reports. Many regulatory bodies require documented seat time for certifications, continuing education units (CEUs), and professional development credits.

Accurate seat time estimates help you:

  • Meet compliance and certification requirements
  • Set realistic learner expectations
  • Plan training schedules effectively
  • Budget development time and resources

The science behind reading speed

Our calculator uses research-backed data to provide accurate estimates

Meta-Analysis Findings

238 WPM

Brysbaert's 2019 meta-analysis of 190 studies with 18,573 participants found an average silent reading rate of 238 words per minute for non-fiction text, and 260 WPM for fiction.1

Industry Standards

150 WPM

The eLearning industry typically uses 150 WPM as a conservative baseline. This matches typical narration pace and accounts for processing time when reading instructional content.3

Classroom Conversion

2:1 Ratio

Brandon Hall research indicates a 2:1 ratio when converting classroom training to eLearning, meaning eLearning typically requires 50% less seat time than equivalent instructor-led training.2

How interactive elements affect seat time

Different content types require different amounts of learner engagement

Element TypeTypical DurationNotes
Multiple Choice Question30-60 secondsVaries based on question complexity and answer choices
Knowledge Check45-90 secondsIncludes time for feedback review
Video ContentActual duration + 10%Add buffer for pause, replay, and processing time
Interactive Scenario2-5 minutesBranching content multiplies engagement time
Accordion/Tab Panels10-15 seconds eachTime to click and scan content

Research from the eLearning Industry suggests knowledge checks typically require 0.5 to 2 minutes depending on design complexity.3 The RIT Center for Teaching and Learning recommends multiplying instructor completion time by 3-4x to estimate student time.4

How this calculator works

Transparent methodology you can trust

Total Time = (Word Count ÷ Reading Speed) × 60 + Σ(Block Count × Seconds Per Block)

1. Reading Time

Divide your total word count by the selected reading speed (words per minute), then multiply by 60 to convert to seconds.

2. Interactive Time

Multiply each block type count by its default duration. These defaults are based on industry research and testing.

3. Total Estimate

Sum reading time and interactive time, then round up to the nearest minute. Rounding up provides a buffer for learner variability.

Frequently asked questions

This calculator provides estimates based on reading speed research from 190 studies with over 18,000 participants. Actual completion times vary based on learner demographics, content complexity, and engagement level. We recommend using the conservative setting for compliance reporting and adding a buffer of 10-15% for safety.
Use conservative (150 WPM) when: reporting for compliance or certification credits, your audience includes non-native speakers, or content contains technical terminology. Use standard (180 WPM) for general corporate training with typical adult learners. Use quick (220 WPM) only for experienced audiences with straightforward content.
Video and audio content should use actual playback duration. Our default of 180 seconds (3 minutes) per video block is an average. For accurate estimates, count your actual video minutes and adjust accordingly. Consider adding 10% for pause and replay behavior.
Most authoring tools provide word counts. In Microsoft Word, use Review > Word Count. For web content, select all text and paste into a word processor. For Slate courses, word count is calculated automatically. Remember to include all readable text: headings, body copy, button labels, and feedback messages.
Slate is an eLearning authoring tool that connects to Claude through MCP. Build a course library your AI can talk to: create courses, run stakeholder reviews, track learner engagement, and export to any LMS. Start free with up to 5 courses.

Build a course library your AI can talk to

Slate connects to Claude through MCP, letting you create courses, run stakeholder reviews, and track learner engagement through conversation.

Try Slate FreeLearn About MCP

References

  1. Brysbaert, M. (2019). How many words do we read per minute? A review and meta-analysis of reading rate. Journal of Memory and Language, 109, 104047. doi:10.1016/j.jml.2019.104047
  2. Brandon Hall Group. E-learning development time benchmarks and seat time reduction research.
  3. eLearning Industry. (2020). 6 Tips To Calculate Seat Time In eLearning. elearningindustry.com
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology. Time on Task in Online Courses. rit.edu