Most adults read at around 200–250 words per minute (WPM) with good comprehension. Below 150 WPM is on the slower side, 250–350 WPM is fast, and above 350 WPM with strong comprehension is very fast. Speed without understanding doesn't count — that's why this test includes comprehension questions.

We divide the number of words in the passage by the time you took to read it, giving raw words per minute. Your comprehension score is shown alongside it — if you answer fewer than 3 of 5 questions correctly, your effective reading speed is adjusted down, because skimming without understanding isn't really reading.

Yes. Reading regularly, avoiding re-reading lines, reducing subvocalisation (saying words in your head), and previewing a text before reading all help. Practise with different passage lengths and retest yourself every few weeks.