ReadingTrackReading Speed Test
Read one short passage at your normal pace, answer three questions and see your words per minute, your comprehension and how you compare with the average adult reader.
Free · About 3 minutes · No sign-upHow to use the reading speed test
- Pick a passage and press Start. The timer starts when the text appears.
- Read at your normal pace, as you would read an article. Press Done when you finish.
- Answer three quick questions without looking back.
- Get your words per minute, comprehension and effective reading speed.
What is a good reading speed?
Most adults read silently at 200 to 300 words per minute. Research puts the average at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction. Above 350 with good comprehension is fast. Claims of 1,000 words per minute or more usually mean skimming, with much lower understanding.
Why comprehension matters
Speed without understanding is not reading. This test multiplies your speed by your comprehension to give an effective reading speed, which is the number worth improving. Reading more often, building vocabulary and reducing re-reading tend to help more than speed-reading tricks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average reading speed?
For adults reading silently in English, about 238 words per minute for non-fiction and 260 for fiction, based on a 2019 review of 190 studies. Students and people reading in a second language are often slower.
How accurate is an online reading speed test?
A single passage gives a good estimate, but speed varies with the topic, the time of day and how hard you are trying. Take the test with two or three passages and use the average.
Can I improve my reading speed?
Yes, mostly by reading more. Regular practice, a wider vocabulary and fewer backward glances at text you have already read all raise speed without hurting comprehension.
Is my result saved?
No. The test runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent anywhere.
Keep track of everything you read
ReadingTrack saves articles, papers and highlights from the web and your phone, tracks reading time and streaks, and brings ideas back when you need them.