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Quick answer: An average adult novel has about 70,000 to 100,000 words, which works out to roughly 250 to 350 printed pages. Most publishers consider anything over 40,000 words a novel, while fantasy and science fiction often run longer, and middle-grade and young adult books usually run shorter.
Quick facts
Typical adult novel: 70,000 to 100,000 words
Minimum for a novel (common definition): about 40,000 words
Words per printed page: about 250 to 300
Time to read 80,000 words at 250 words per minute: about 5 to 6 hours
Word count matters to writers pitching agents, but it’s also useful for readers. It tells you how long a book will take and whether it’s a quick weekend read or a month-long commitment. Word counts vary a lot by genre, so the ranges below are typical guidelines, not strict rules. Many beloved books break them.
Table of Contents
Typical Word Counts by Genre
| Category or genre | Typical word count |
|---|---|
| Literary and general adult fiction | 70,000 to 100,000 |
| Mystery and thriller | 70,000 to 90,000 |
| Romance | 50,000 to 90,000 |
| Science fiction and fantasy | 90,000 to 120,000+ |
| Historical fiction | 80,000 to 110,000 |
| Young adult (YA) | 50,000 to 80,000 |
| Middle grade | 30,000 to 55,000 |
| Chapter books for early readers | 4,000 to 15,000 |
| Picture books | Under 1,000 |
How Do Novels Compare to Shorter Forms?
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, which runs the Nebula Awards, uses these categories: short story (under 7,500 words), novelette (7,500 to 17,499), novella (17,500 to 39,999) and novel (40,000 and up). Many publishers and readers use similar cutoffs.
Word Counts of Famous Books (Approximate)
| Book | Approx. words |
|---|---|
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | about 47,000 |
| Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling | about 77,000 |
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins | about 100,000 |
| To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee | about 100,000 |
| Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling | about 257,000 |
Word counts vary slightly between sources and editions, so treat these as estimates.
How Many Pages Is 80,000 Words?
With about 250 to 300 words per page, an 80,000-word novel is roughly 270 to 320 pages in a standard paperback. Font size, margins and trim size can change this a lot, which is why ebooks often show reading time instead of pages.
How Long Does It Take to Read an Average Novel?
At an average adult silent reading speed of about 238 to 260 words per minute, an 80,000-word novel takes about 5 to 6 hours. Reading 30 minutes a day, you’d finish it in under two weeks.
Tips for Readers Who Like Shorter Books
- Look for novellas: under 40,000 words, perfect for a weekend.
- Try short story collections: great for busy schedules.
- Check page counts on Amazon or Goodreads before you buy.
- Use an e-reader: the Kindle Paperwhite shows estimated time left in each chapter and book.
A Classic You Can Finish Quickly
At under 50,000 words, The Great Gatsby is one of the most rewarding short novels you can read in a few sittings.
Related: how many pages should you read a day and how to get out of a reading slump.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a typical novel?
A typical adult novel is about 70,000 to 100,000 words. Genre affects this: fantasy often runs longer, while romance and young adult often run shorter.
How many words is the minimum for a novel?
A common definition, used by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, is 40,000 words. Shorter works are usually called novellas.
How many pages is a 100,000-word book?
About 330 to 400 pages in a standard paperback, depending on font size, margins and page size.