Non-Fiction Benchmark
Popular Science reading speed: average WPM and reading-time guide
The typical popular science reading speed is about 220 WPM. This is a planning baseline. For better estimates, test your own speed and use it in the calculator.
Quick answer
Average popular science reading speed is around 220 words per minute. A 3,000-word text takes about 14 minutes at this pace.
Why this speed is different
Science for general audiences — Gladwell, Pinker style. Concepts require thought.
Reading speed varies by text complexity, familiarity, fatigue, and reading goal. Use this value for baseline planning, not as a strict target.