Reading Speed Calculator
Time yourself reading a passage, enter the word count and how long it took, and get your words per minute. Save readings to see your average over time.
Saved readings
How long will it take?
How it is calculated
Reading speed is words ÷ minutes. If you read 600 words in 2 minutes 30 seconds, that is 600 ÷ 2.5 = 240 WPM. The time estimate uses your current result, or your saved average if you have not entered a new one, so a 80,000-word novel at 240 WPM takes 80,000 ÷ 240 ≈ 5 h 33 min.
Typical speeds
| Reading type | Typical WPM |
|---|---|
| Reading aloud | about 150 |
| Studying or technical text | 50 to 200 |
| Ordinary silent reading | 200 to 300 |
| Skimming | 400 to 700 |
Getting a fair measurement
Read something at the difficulty you normally read, at your normal pace, and time at least a few hundred words. Measure again on different material: a novel and a textbook will give very different numbers. Your results are saved only in this browser.
Frequently asked
What is the average reading speed?
Most adults read silently at about 200 to 300 words per minute for ordinary prose. Technical or unfamiliar material is usually slower.
How do I measure my reading speed?
Time yourself reading a passage at your normal pace, count its words, and divide the words by the minutes taken. Paste the passage into the calculator to count the words automatically.
Does reading faster mean understanding less?
Often, yes. Speed reading claims above about 400 to 500 WPM usually come with lower comprehension. Aim for a speed at which you can still explain what you read.