Reading Speed Calculator
Calculate your reading speed in words per minute, and estimate how long any text will take — from a book to a full chapter.
About this tool
Enter words and minutes to get your reading speed, then flip it: how long any text or book takes at that pace.
Speed matters more than people think — 250 wpm versus 350 wpm is an 8-hour book versus a 5.7-hour one. Measure your baseline, then compare after a week of paced reading practice.
FAQ
What is a normal reading speed?
Adults average 200-300 wpm for non-fiction; 5-10% higher for fiction. Skilled speed readers hit 400-700 wpm.
How do I read faster?
Reduce subvocalization, stop regressions, chunk phrases, and expand peripheral vision — practice raises speed without losing comprehension.
Does faster mean worse comprehension?
Up to ~400 wpm, comprehension holds. Beyond that trade-off starts; always test comprehension alongside speed.