Reading Speed Test
Find out how fast you read in words per minute (WPM) with our free online reading speed test. Includes comprehension questions to verify your understanding.
Passage: The Science of Reading
267 words
Click “Start Reading” and read the passage at your normal pace. When you finish, click “I'm Done” to see your reading speed.
Want to speed read any webpage?
Try Readima — the free Chrome extension that brings RSVP and Meta Guiding to every website you visit.
Add to Chrome — FreeWhat Is a Good Reading Speed?
The average adult reading speed is between 200 and 300 words per minute (WPM). However, “good” reading speed depends on your purpose and the material you're reading. For casual reading, 250-300 WPM with 70%+ comprehension is considered proficient. For academic or technical material, 150-200 WPM with high comprehension is perfectly acceptable.
Speed readers typically read at 400-700 WPM while maintaining solid comprehension. Some trained individuals claim speeds exceeding 1,000 WPM, though research suggests comprehension drops significantly above 600 WPM for most people.
Average Reading Speed by Age
| Age Group | Average WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 years | 80-100 | Learning to read |
| 8-10 years | 100-150 | Developing fluency |
| 11-13 years | 150-200 | Middle school level |
| 14-17 years | 200-250 | High school level |
| Adults | 238-300 | Average adult speed |
| College students | 300-350 | Above average |
How to Improve Your Reading Speed
Improving your reading speed is a skill that can be developed with consistent practice. Here are proven strategies to help you read faster while maintaining good comprehension:
- 1.Use a pointer or guide — Move your finger or a pen under the text as you read. This technique, called meta guiding, helps your eyes move more smoothly and reduces regression.
- 2.Try RSVP speed reading — Use tools like our speed reader to practice reading words one at a time at increasing speeds.
- 3.Minimize subvocalization — Train yourself to reduce the inner voice that reads words aloud in your head, which limits you to speech speed (~250 WPM).
- 4.Expand your peripheral vision — Practice reading chunks of words instead of one word at a time.
- 5.Practice regularly — Like any skill, speed reading improves with consistent daily practice. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference.
Learn more about all the proven methods in our speed reading techniques guide.