Reading Speed Benchmarks
Compare your reading speed to average WPM statistics by age, skill level, and reading purpose. Turn these numbers into friendly competition with StudyBlitz so classmates can quiz each other on benchmark ranges.
Average Adult
238
Words Per Minute
Normal Range
200-300
WPM
Speed Reader
400+
WPM
Find Your Reading Speed
Take our free reading speed test to see how you compare to these benchmarks.
📚 Reading Speed by Age
| Age Group | Average WPM | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 years | 80-100 | Early readers |
| 8-9 years | 100-130 | Developing fluency |
| 10-12 years | 140-170 | Building confidence |
| 13-17 years | 170-220 | Teen readers |
| Adults | 238 | Average adult reading speed |
| College Students | 260-300 | Higher education readers |
| Speed Readers | 400-700+ | Trained speed readers |
🎯 Reading Speed by Skill Level
Beginner
Bottom 25% percentile
100-150
words per minute
Below Average
25-40% percentile
150-200
words per minute
Average
40-60% percentile
200-250
words per minute
Good
60-80% percentile
250-300
words per minute
Excellent
80-95% percentile
300-400
words per minute
Expert
Top 5% percentile
400+
words per minute
📖 Reading Speed by Purpose
Your reading speed varies depending on your goal. Here are typical speeds for different reading purposes:
Leisure Reading
Relaxed pace, enjoyment focused
250-300
WPM
Studying/Learning
Slower pace for comprehension
150-200
WPM
Technical Documents
Complex material requires slower reading
100-150
WPM
Skimming/Scanning
Quick overview, not deep reading
400-700
WPM
Proofreading
Careful reading for errors
200-250
WPM
⚡ Factors Affecting Reading Speed
📈 What Increases Speed
- ✓Familiar topics and vocabulary
- ✓Simple sentence structure
- ✓Clear formatting and layout
- ✓Regular practice and reading habits
- ✓Strong vocabulary foundation
📉 What Decreases Speed
- ✗Technical or academic content
- ✗Unfamiliar words and concepts
- ✗Complex sentence structures
- ✗Poor lighting or distractions
- ✗Reading when tired or stressed
🚀 How to Improve Your Reading Speed
Practice Techniques
- • Read for at least 15-20 minutes daily
- • Use a pointer or finger to guide your eyes
- • Avoid subvocalization (saying words in your head)
- • Expand your peripheral vision
- • Take regular reading speed tests to track progress
Smart Habits
- • Build your vocabulary consistently
- • Preview content before deep reading
- • Minimize regression (re-reading)
- • Choose appropriate reading material
- • Create a distraction-free environment
Ready to Test Your Reading Speed?
Discover where you stand compared to these benchmarks with our free reading speed test.
Start Your Speed Test Now →