Reading speed
Time yourself on a page or two and see your words a minute, how you compare with the research and how long your next book will take.
Your details
A typical paperback page has about 250 to 300 words. Count the words on a few lines, average them and multiply by the lines on the page.
Your reading speed
240
words a minute, in the usual adult range
- Average adult, non-fiction238 wpm
- Average adult, fiction260 wpm
- Reading aloud, on average183 wpm
- Your book (320 pages of 300 words)6 h 40 min, or 14 half hour sittings
A 2019 review of 190 studies found adults read English non-fiction silently at about 238 words a minute and fiction at about 260, with most between 175 and 300. Claims of 1,000 words a minute usually mean skimming. You are right around average. Speed is not the point: understanding and enjoying it are.
The working
600 words in 2.5 minutes, a 320 page book
600 / 2.5 = 240 words a minute, right in the usual adult range. A 320 page book at 300 words a page is 96,000 words, which takes about 6 h 40 min, or 14 half hour sittings.
What the research says
A review of 190 studies
| Reading | Average words a minute |
|---|---|
| Silent, non-fiction | 238 |
| Silent, fiction | 260 |
| Aloud | 183 |
| Most adults, silent | 175 to 300 |
Faster is not always better
Understanding matters
Speed reading claims of 1,000 words a minute or more usually mean skimming, and understanding drops. Taking it in and enjoying it matter far more than the number.
Read with care
What this cannot tell you
- Test understandingIt measures pace, not how much you took in.
- Spot dyslexiaIf reading is hard work, an assessment can help.
- Know your bookA dense textbook takes longer than a thriller.
Questions
Common questions
What is the average reading speed?
A 2019 review found adults read English non-fiction silently at about 238 words a minute and fiction at about 260.
How long does it take to read a 300 page book?
At 300 words a page and 240 words a minute, about 6 h 15 min.
Is reading aloud slower?
Yes, about 183 words a minute on average.
Can you learn to speed read?
You can learn to skim faster, but the research suggests big gains in speed usually come with lower understanding.
Sources
Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.
If reading is hard work
If reading has always been a struggle, a dyslexia assessment can help, and the British Dyslexia Association has advice. If your eyes get tired or blurry, see an optician; sudden changes in vision need urgent advice from NHS 111.
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