Speed reading trainer: one word at a time
Paste a text and press “Start”: words appear one after another in the same spot, and the red focus letter keeps your eyes still. You set the speed in words per minute, with a short pause at the end of each sentence.
How it is calculated
How the speed reading trainer works
- Paste a text into the box (or use the sample text).
- Choose the speed in words per minute – around 250 to 300 is a good start.
- Press “Start”. Words appear one after another in the middle. Space pauses, “Back one sentence” (or Left arrow) repeats the last sentence.
RSVP and the focus letter
The method is called RSVP (rapid serial visual presentation): words are shown one at a time in a fixed position, so your eyes do not have to jump along the line. One letter slightly left of the word’s center is marked red and always sits in the same spot, which keeps your gaze steady. Which letter is marked and how long the pauses are is this tool’s own setting:
- Base time per word = 60 seconds ÷ speed (0.2 s at 300 words per minute).
- End of sentence twice as long, comma, semicolon and colon 1.5×, paragraph 2.5×, very long words 1.3×.
With 2 or 3 words per flash you read in small groups instead of single words – then without the marker.
What speed reading can and cannot do
A major review by Rayner and colleagues (2016) reaches a clear conclusion: there is a trade-off between speed and comprehension. It is unlikely that readers can double or triple their speed (for example from around 250 to 500–750 words per minute) and still understand the text as well. Reading faster means skimming – which is fine when you only want an overview. The way to read faster with good understanding is mainly to read a lot and build a larger vocabulary.
So use the trainer to practice focus and to experiment, not as a promise. Your text is not saved and never leaves the browser.
Frequently asked questions
Does speed reading really work?
You can read faster, but according to Rayner and colleagues (2016) comprehension drops. Doubling your speed without loss is unlikely; reading a lot and a large vocabulary help most.
Which speed should I choose?
Start at 250 to 300 words per minute and increase in small steps. If you can no longer retell the content in your own words, the speed is too high.
What is the red letter for?
It is the focus point: a letter slightly left of the word’s center that always stays in the same place, so your eyes do not have to jump between words.
Why does it pause at the end of sentences?
Pauses at punctuation give you time to process the sentence. You can turn them off in the settings; then every word is shown for the same time.
Is my text saved?
No. The text only stays in the input box in this window. It is not saved, not sent to a server and not added to the address bar.
Sources and legal basis
- Rayner et al. (2016): So Much to Read, So Little Time – How Do We Read, and Can Speed Reading Help? Psychological Science in the Public Interest 17(1) – PubMed
- Wikipedia: Rapid serial visual presentation
As of:
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