Ever wondered just how fast you really read?
What if there was a way to measure your current reading speed?
Recently, I wrapped up a book called Limitless by Jim Kwik. In a nutshell, it dives into unlocking your brain’s full potential, helping you accelerate learning and achieve more. There’s a summary about the book at the bottom of this post if you’re curious, but what I really want to focus on is “Chapter 14: Speed Reading”.
I’ve always known I can finish a book quickly when I’m in the zone, but I never realized just how fast - or slow - I actually was. It wasn’t until I read this chapter that I could finally pinpoint my reading speed. Now, I’d like to share this with you, so you can discover how fast you’re reading too.
Here goes!
Test your current reading speed
You will need a light novel, a pen/pencil and a timer.
Set an alarm to go off in 2 minutes.
Read at a comfortable speed and stop when the alarm goes off (put a mark where you left off)
Count the total number of words in three regular lines, and divide that number by three. This is the average number of words per line.
Count the number of lines you just read (only count those lines that at least make it halfway across the page)
Multiply the number of words per line by the number of lines you just read (multiply your answers from step 3 and 4)
Divide this number by two (because you read for 2 minutes) and this is your words per minute. Do this now. Write it down.
What is your current reading speed? Write it down somewhere: ___ words per minute.
It wouldn’t make sense to share this tested theory without trying it myself, right? So, I put it to the test using one of the chapters in Limitless, and my current reading speed clocked in at 336 words per minute.
According to research, the average person reads between 250 and 400 words per minute. If you can read between 300 and 400 words per minute, you’re considered a skilled or fast reader.
Tip to Read Faster
Remember when you were younger, and you were taught to follow the words with your finger as you read? You might have been told to stop using that method as you grew older. But here's the thing: using a visual pacer - whether it’s your finger or any object, can actually help you read faster.
If a theory is presented to us, it’s only right that we either debunk or validate it. So, let’s put this one to the test!
Now that you know your current reading speed, let’s see if you can increase it and read even faster.
How to read even faster
Read comfortably (using your finger or a visual pacer) for 4 minutes. Set the alarm to go off in 4 minutes and read as you normally would read. Mark the line when your alarm goes off. This is going to be your “finish line”.
Now set your alarm for 3 minutes. The goal here is to reach the finish line before your alarm goes off. Then read (using your finger) until the line in step 1 in 3 minutes.
Set your alarm for 2 minutes. Don’t worry about comprehension. Try to get to the finish line before your alarm goes off in 2 minutes. Use a visual pacer and go through it line by line. Have your eyes follow your finger as fast as possible.
Final stretch. Set your timer for 1 minute. Do your best to get to the finish line in 1 minute. Do not skip any line, and don’t worry about comprehension right now.
Now breathe. Set your timer for 2 minutes. Start from your finish line to read a new section. Read at a comfortable rate with comprehension. Count the number of lines you read, multiply by the number of words per line, then divide this number by two. This is your new reading speed. Write it down somewhere: ____ words per minute.
What’s your new reading speed now? I’m going to keep mine a mystery for now, but I’d love for you to share your current and new reading speeds in the comments below!
I might sound like a frog in a well, but when I discovered this speed reading test, I was truly amazed and couldn’t wait to share it with everyone! I hope these tests have helped you better understand your reading speed and even boosted it to a faster pace!
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Give this post your love with a ❤️ if you like what you have read and remember, do share your reading speeds in the comments below—I’d love to see your improvements. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and stay tuned for more!
About Limitless by Jim Kwik
In this book, renowned brain coach Jim Kwik explains how your brain is the most powerful technology in the world and that you can unlock its full potential through science-based practices and field-tested techniques. The book covers various topics including mastering habits, unleashing productivity, accessing limitless motivation, eliminating mental fog, sharpening focus, and learning anything. It also provides expert tips, such as brain foods and neuro-nutrients, for optimal brain function. At its core, the book aims to help readers break free of limiting beliefs and lead an exceptional life by understanding how to learn and tap into their own limitless powers.