Research suggests that most adults read roughly 200 to 250 words per minute when reading silently. Speed varies depending on the difficulty of the text, your purpose and your language skills.
Reading time formula
Reading time in minutes = Total words / Reading speed. A 1,200-word article at 240 words per minute takes about 5 minutes.
Speaking speed
People usually speak at about 130 words per minute. If you are preparing a 5 minute speech, aim for around 650 words.
How to read faster
- Preview headings before reading in full.
- Avoid saying words in your head.
- Read in a quiet space with fewer distractions.
- Read more often, since practice improves both speed and understanding.
Remember that understanding matters more than speed, especially for study material.
Use our reading time calculator to estimate the time for your own text.
Try it now: Reading Time Calculator