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Take the Speed Reading Challenge: Test Your WPM in 60 Seconds!
Ready to discover your reading superpower?
Take this challenge to measure your words-per-minute (WPM) speed and see how you stack up against the average reader (200–300 WPM).
I have presented two styles of speed reading test software. You can try either of them or both for fun.
Speed Reading Test 1: How It Works
- Read the passage below
- Click “Start” to begin the second timer
- Click “Stop” to stop the second timer
- Get your WPM score instantly!
Speed Reading Test
Read the passage below (or use your own text). Click “Start” to begin the 300-second timer. Click “Stop” after you finish reading to get your WPM score instantly!
Speed reading is an essential skill for anyone who wants to increase their reading efficiency and grasp information more rapidly. In today’s fast paced world, time is limited and learning quickly can provide significant advantages in both academic and professional environments. Developing speed reading skills involves training your brain to process text at a faster rate without compromising comprehension. One of the first steps in speed reading is to relax and focus on the material. Instead of subvocalizing every word, allow your eyes to move quickly across the page, taking in groups of words at a time. This shift in technique takes practice and patience, but the results are rewarding. As you become more comfortable with scanning text, you can start practicing with various types of content to improve your adaptability. It is important to start with material that is not overly complex to build your confidence before moving on to more challenging texts. Regular practice using timed reading exercises can help you track your progress. A useful technique is to set aside a few minutes each day for focused reading sessions, gradually increasing your reading speed while ensuring that you maintain a good level of comprehension. Your progress might be slow at first, but persistence and regular practice will eventually lead to noticeable improvements. Maintaining proper posture and ensuring that you are reading in a distraction free environment are also key factors in successfully learning to speed read. Avoiding interruptions allows your brain to stay fully engaged with the content. Additionally, using a pointer such as your finger or a pen can help guide your eyes and maintain a steady pace across the text.
Time Remaining: 300 seconds
Speed Reading Test 2 : How It Works
- Click “Start” to begin the 5 Minute timer
- A Passage will appear, Read the passage fully
- After fully Reading Click “Stop” to stop the 5 Minute timer
- Get your WPM score instantly!
- Retry
⏱️ Speed Reading Test
Reading Speed Comparison Table
Reading Speed Levels: Where Do You Stand?
Reading Level | Speed Range (WPM) | Comprehension Rate | Typical Profile | Improvement Tips |
---|---|---|---|---|
Slow Reader | < 200 WPM | 80-90% | Students, meticulous readers | – Eliminate subvocalization – Use a pointer/guide |
Average Reader | 200–300 WPM | 70-80% | Casual readers, most adults | – Learn chunking – Practice skimming |
Above-Average Reader | 300–400 WPM | 60-75% | Professionals, frequent readers | – Expand peripheral vision – Reduce regression |
Advanced Reader | 400–600 WPM | 50-70% | Speed learners, technical readers | – Meta-guiding techniques – Use RSVP apps |
Speed Reader | 600–800 WPM | 40-60%* | Trained readers, executives | – Adaptive pacing – Pre-read structures |
Expert Speed Reader | 800+ WPM | 30-50%* | Competitive readers, researchers | – Pattern recognition – AI-assisted skimming |
Key Notes:
- *Comprehension rates assume untrained readers. With practice, speed readers can maintain 70%+ comprehension.
- Average adult reading speed: 238 WPM (University of Massachusetts study).
- World record: 25,000 WPM (Anne Jones, 6-time speed reading champion) with ~67% comprehension.
How to Use This Table
- Take the Speed Reading Test.
- Match your WPM to the closest category.
- Review improvement tips for your level.
Pro Tips for All Readers
- Prioritize comprehension: Speed means nothing if you don’t retain information.
- Adjust for material: Slow down for technical texts, speed up for emails.
- Focus on word groups, not individual words
- Use your peripheral vision
- Practice daily with our 7-Day Speed Reading Bootcamp
- Track progress: Retest monthly to see improvements.
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