The Art of Speed Listening
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to read can be a challenge. Audiobooks have become a savior for many, allowing us to "read" while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. But did you know you can significantly increase your consumption by adjusting the playback speed? Our Audiobook Speed Calculator helps you visualize exactly how much time you reclaim by listening at 1.25x, 1.5x, or even 2.0x speeds.
Most people speak at a rate of 140-160 words per minute (wpm), but our brains can process information much faster. To learn more about the history and technology behind audiobooks, visit the on Audiobooks.
Estimating Book Audio Length
Wondering how long a physical book will take to listen to? Our new feature converts page count to audio duration.
We use standard industry averages for this calculation:
- Average Words Per Page: ~275 words (Paperback/Hardcover mix)
- Average Speaking Rate: ~155 words per minute
Audio Duration = (Pages × 275) / 155
Tips for Retaining Information
Speed is great, but retention is key. Here is how to speed up without losing the plot:
- Incremental Increase: Don't jump straight to 2x. Start at 1.1x, then 1.25x, letting your brain adapt.
- Genre Matters: Biographies and business books are easier to speed up than complex sci-fi or poetic fiction.
- Use Silence Removal: Many apps like Overcast or Pocket Casts have features to trim silence, saving time without distorting pitch.
Why Use This Calculator?
Challenge Planning
Doing a "50 Books a Year" challenge? See if increasing speed makes it feasible.
Commute Fitting
Have a 45-minute commute? See what speed you need to finish a 1-hour chapter.
Other Tools
Check out our Finance Calculators to see if saving time equates to saving money!