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Reading speed test

A stopwatch that counts words per minute — type the count or tap the last word read.

Reading speed test

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Start the stopwatch when the student begins to read.
How to count the words

Reading speed test — words per minute calculator

A reading speed test measures how many words a student reads aloud in a minute — words per minute, or WPM — as a quick check of reading fluency. Start the stopwatch when the student begins and stop it when they finish, or let it stop by itself after exactly one minute with a chime. Then type how many words were read, or paste the text beforehand and simply tap the word where the student stopped. The words-per-minute result appears instantly, with the number of words and the time. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere, so it’s safe to use with any student.

How to use it

  1. 1Paste the text (optional) and press Start when the student begins.
  2. 2Press Stop, or turn on “Stop exactly after 1 minute”.
  3. 3Type the word count or tap the last word read to see words per minute.

Ideas for your classroom

  • Run one-minute fluency checks at the start and end of a term.
  • Check progress after repeated readings of the same passage.
  • Let students time each other in pairs during reading practice.
  • Compare a student’s speed on an easier and a harder text before choosing books.
How to use classroom tools →

Questions teachers ask

Is the reading speed test free?

Yes. It’s free, with no account, and works on a laptop, tablet or phone.

Can I use any text?

Yes. Paste any passage — from your reading book, a worksheet or a story — and it counts the words for you.

How are words counted in the text?

Every group of letters or digits between spaces counts as one word; dashes and punctuation don’t.

Can I measure a fixed one-minute reading?

Yes. Turn on “Stop exactly after 1 minute” and a chime plays when the minute is up.

Does it check comprehension?

No, it measures speed only. Ask a few questions about the text afterwards to check understanding.

Are results saved?

No, nothing is stored. Note the result in your gradebook before measuring the next student.

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