Words Per Minute Reading Speed Calculator

Work out words per minute reading speed instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Words Per Minute Reading Speed Calculator

Reading speed is words divided by minutes, but raw speed means little without comprehension. Multiplying the two gives effective reading speed, which is what actually determines how much you take from a text — and it is why skimming at 800 wpm with 30% comprehension is worse than reading at 300.

Formula

Reading speed

wpm = words / minutes; effective wpm = wpm x comprehension

Worked example

With the default values below, Words Per Minute Reading Speed Calculator returns Reading speed of 277. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Words read: 1,800 words
Time taken: 6.5 min
Comprehension score: 85 %

Results

Reading speed: 277 wpm
Effective reading speed: 235 wpm
Pages per hour (300 words each): 55.38 pages
Reading level: Above average

Step by step

1Values used
2Reading speed
3Reading speed= 277 wpm
4Effective reading speed= 235 wpm
5Pages per hour (300 words each)= 55.38 pages
6Reading level= Above average

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal adult reading speed?

200-250 words per minute for prose with good comprehension. Technical material is typically read at half that.

Do speed reading techniques work?

Sub-vocalisation reduction and better eye movement help modestly. Claims of 1,000+ wpm with full comprehension are not supported by evidence.