Read Meter – Reading Time & Progress Bar

What is Read Meter?

Read Meter – Reading Time & Progress Bar is a focused WordPress plugin that shows visitors how long a post takes to read. It also places a progress bar on the screen as the reader scrolls. The goal is to reduce bounce rates by removing the fear of unknown reading time. Developed by Brainstorm Force, the plugin has been available for 7 years. It currently holds 10K+ active installs with a 4.5/5 rating from 19 reviews. Of those ratings, 84% are 4% are one-star. The current version is 1.0.11, last updated on Jul 10, 2025.

The plugin uses a specific image time calculation. It adds 12 seconds for the first image, 11 seconds for the second, and so on until the tenth image. After that, each additional image adds 3 seconds. This method aims to give a realistic estimate for content-heavy posts, which is a common concern when figuring out how to add reading time in WordPress accurately.

Key Features of Read Meter

• Estimated Reading Time Display: Shows the calculated reading time on single posts, archive pages, or blog pages using simple settings.
• Scroll Progress Bar: Places a bar at the top or bottom of the page that fills as the user scrolls, indicating remaining content length.
• Flexible Shortcode: Use the [read_meter] shortcode anywhere. An id attribute lets you display reading time for a different post on any page.
• Post Type Support: Works with all custom post types (CPTs), giving you control over which content types show the reading time and progress bar.
• Image Time Calculation: Automatically adds time for images using a graduated scale, from 12 seconds down to 3 seconds per image.
• Reading Time Position Controls: Choose to display the time above or below the title, or above the content, with custom prefix and postfix text.
• Progress Bar Styling: Adjust bar thickness, gradient background colors, and choose between top or bottom page position.
• Include or Exclude Comments: Decide whether comment word counts should factor into the total reading time calculation.

Who Should Use Read Meter?

This plugin suits bloggers, content marketers, and site owners who publish long-form articles. If you run a tutorial site, news blog, or magazine, the estimated reading time can set reader expectations. The progress bar plugin aspect helps retain visitors by showing them how close they are to finishing. Beginners will find the setup straightforward, as the settings live under a single dashboard menu. The plugin requires WordPress 4.2+ and PHP 5.2+, making it compatible with nearly every modern host.

For sites with heavy image usage, the graduated time calculation adds value. A photographer or recipe blogger, for example, benefits from a more accurate estimated reading time progress bar. The plugin also supports archive pages, so a list of posts can each show their reading time. With 10K+ active installs and a 4.5 rating, it serves a clear niche without overcomplicating things. If you need a reading time progress bar WordPress solution that just works, this is a solid pick.

Installation & Setup

Install the plugin directly from the WordPress plugins screen or upload the files to /wp-content/plugins/. Activate it, then navigate to Settings > Read Meter in your dashboard. The interface is beginner-friendly, with tabs for general settings, reading time appearance, and progress bar controls. You can set your words-per-minute rate (default 275) and select which post types display the meter within minutes.

Support & Community

The support data shows a mixed picture. Over the last 2 months, the plugin has 0 open support threads and 0 resolved threads, resulting in a 0% resolution rate. This could indicate either a very stable plugin with few issues, or a lack of active support engagement. Given the 84% five-star rating from 19 reviews, most users seem satisfied with the core functionality. However, the 5% one-star rate suggests some users hit problems. The plugin is 7 years old and maintained by Brainstorm Force, a known WordPress shop, which adds a layer of trust. If you value community forums for troubleshooting, this plugin offers limited recent interaction. For most users, the straightforward settings and clear documentation should cover common needs without requiring direct support.