Average reading speeds
A large review of reading research found that adults read English non-fiction silently at about 238 words per minute on average, and fiction at about 260. Reading aloud is slower, around 180 words per minute.
| Reader | Words per minute |
|---|---|
| Primary school pupil | 80–180 |
| Teenager | 180–230 |
| Average adult | 200–300 |
| Skilled reader | 300–450 |
Speed and understanding
Reading speed only matters if you understand and remember what you read. Very high speeds usually mean skimming, which is fine for finding information but poor for learning it. A fair test is to explain the passage in a couple of sentences afterwards.
How to read faster
- Read every day: familiar words are recognised faster.
- Use a finger or pen to guide your eyes and reduce jumping back.
- Preview headings before you start so you know what to look for.