Average Reading Speed by Age (Normal WPM by Age Group)

How fast should you read? Understanding average reading speeds by age can help you set realistic goals and track your progress.

Whether you're a parent monitoring your child's reading development, a student trying to improve, or an adult looking to read faster, knowing what's considered "normal" provides valuable context.

If you want to know your own number, you can take our free reading speed test and compare your WPM to the age-based benchmarks below.

Reading speed, measured in words per minute (WPM), varies significantly across age groups and individuals. Let's explore the typical reading speeds at different stages of life and what factors influence these numbers.

Average Reading Speed by Age Group

Reading Speed in Early Childhood (Ages 6-9)

In the early elementary years, children are still learning to decode words and build fluency. Reading speed increases rapidly during this period as children become more familiar with common words and reading patterns.

Key characteristics:

• Focus is on accuracy and comprehension, not speed
• Reading speed varies widely based on exposure to reading
• Regular reading practice significantly impacts development
• Speed naturally increases as decoding becomes automatic

At this stage, it's important not to push for speed at the expense of comprehension. Building a strong foundation is more valuable than reading quickly.

Reading Speed in Middle Childhood (Ages 10-13)

By middle school, most children have developed basic reading fluency. Reading speed continues to improve as vocabulary expands and reading becomes more automatic.

What to expect:

• Reading speed typically doubles from early elementary years
• Comprehension becomes more sophisticated
• Students can begin learning speed reading techniques
• Regular readers often read 20-30% faster than occasional readers

Reading Speed in Adolescence (Ages 14-17)

High school students often reach their peak reading speed during these years, especially those who read regularly. This is an ideal time to introduce advanced reading techniques.

Factors affecting speed:

• Amount of reading practice
• Type of material read (fiction vs. textbooks)
• Interest level in the material
• Vocabulary knowledge

Reading Speed in Young Adulthood (Ages 18-25)

College students and young adults typically read faster than older adults, often reaching 250-300 WPM. This is when many people first encounter the need to read large volumes of material quickly.

This age group benefits significantly from:

• RSVP reading technology
• Speed reading courses
• Regular practice with diverse materials
• Comprehension testing to ensure understanding

Reading Speed in Adulthood (Ages 26-50)

The average adult reads at 200-250 WPM, though this varies widely. Many adults read less frequently than they did in school, which can cause reading speed to decrease slightly.

Interesting findings:

• Adults who read regularly maintain higher speeds
• Professionals in reading-intensive fields often read 300+ WPM
• Speed reading techniques are highly effective at this age
• Many adults can double their reading speed with practice

Reading Speed in Seniors (Ages 50+)

Reading speed may decline slightly with age due to vision changes and reduced reading frequency, but many seniors maintain excellent reading speeds, especially those who read regularly.

Important considerations:

• Vision changes may require larger text or better lighting
• Comprehension often remains strong even if speed decreases
• RSVP technology can be particularly helpful for seniors
• Regular practice helps maintain reading ability

Factors That Affect Reading Speed

Beyond age, several factors influence reading speed:

1. Reading Frequency

People who read regularly tend to read faster. Regular readers often read 30-50% faster than occasional readers, regardless of age.

2. Education Level

Higher education levels correlate with faster reading speeds, primarily due to larger vocabularies and more reading experience.

3. Material Type

Reading speed varies significantly by material:

• Fiction: Typically read faster (250-350 WPM)
• Non-fiction articles: Moderate speed (200-250 WPM)
• Technical material: Slower speed (150-200 WPM)
• Academic texts: Slowest speed (100-150 WPM)

4. Vocabulary Knowledge

A larger vocabulary allows faster reading because you don't need to pause to figure out unfamiliar words.

5. Reading Purpose

Why you're reading affects speed:

• Pleasure reading: Can be faster, more relaxed
• Study reading: Slower, more careful
• Skimming: Very fast (500+ WPM) but lower comprehension

What's Considered "Fast" Reading?

While averages provide context, what's considered "fast" depends on your baseline:

• Above average: 300-400 WPM (top 25% of readers)
• Fast: 400-600 WPM (top 10% of readers)
• Very fast: 600-800 WPM (top 5% of readers)
• Speed reader: 800+ WPM (top 1% of readers)

Remember: Speed without comprehension is meaningless. The goal is to read faster while maintaining understanding.

How to Improve Your Reading Speed at Any Age

Regardless of your age or current reading speed, you can improve with practice. For more tips and research-backed strategies, visit our speed reading blog.

1. Read regularly: Daily reading maintains and improves speed
2. Use RSVP technology: Apps like SpeedTextLab can help eliminate eye movement
3. Practice with a timer: Set goals and track progress
4. Expand vocabulary: More words = faster reading
5. Reduce subvocalization: Stop "hearing" words in your head
6. Use a pointer: Guide your eyes to reduce regression
7. Preview material: Skim headings and summaries first
8. Test comprehension: Always verify you understand what you read

Setting Realistic Goals

When working to improve your reading speed, set realistic goals based on your age and current ability:

• Children (6-12): Focus on accuracy and enjoyment, not speed
• Teens (13-17): Aim for 20-30% improvement over 2-3 months
• Young adults (18-25): Can often double speed with consistent practice
• Adults (26-50): 50-100% improvement is achievable with dedication
• Seniors (50+): Focus on maintaining speed and improving comprehension

Conclusion

Average reading speeds vary significantly by age, but these are just benchmarks. What matters more is your personal progress and ability to comprehend what you read.

Whether you're reading at 150 WPM or 500 WPM, the key is continuous improvement. With regular practice and the right techniques, people of any age can increase their reading speed while maintaining or even improving comprehension.

Don't compare yourself to others; compare yourself to your past performance. Track your WPM over time, and celebrate improvements, no matter how small. Reading is a skill that improves with practice, and the benefits last a lifetime.