Posted on Posted onBy Ahaqir
Avid book readers devour books after books and somehow still find time to get things done throughout the day. Others struggle to balance the two and aren’t able to read as much books as they like. And then, there are people who do not read for fun (disgusting).
That made us ask the question “How many books does an average person read in a year?” This question varies from country to country. We will be looking at the United States and the United Kingdom as these are the two countries I was able to find the data for.
The United States
In the U.S., the average person reads about 14 books per year. That is pretty good considering that that is more than one book per month. The median average for the whole population is 4 books per year but to be honest, I don’t know what that really entails. Does this data include children that haven’t yet learned to read? Or also people that are unable to read because of lack of access to books? If that is so, then this number becomes meaningless.
The United Kingdom
In the U.K. the average person reads 10 books per year. That was from a survey done by YouGov in 2014. A more recent survey done in 2017 found that the average person reads 15 books per year. The data seems to be skewed based on the people surveyed. The United Kingdom is a diverse country and depending on where the surveys are done, the data will reflect the facts for that area alone. For the best possible result, the data sample needs to be larger and include multiple locations across the U.K.
Maybe the average rose by 5 whole books in three years but that is not likely. It is a significant increase over such a short span. When the pandemic occurred, the average number of books people read increased because they were home more and had more time to read. Without a significant change like that, the average shouldn’t change that much.
So, either the U.K. reads more or less than the United States depending on what survey you would like to believe. Depending on where you live, you can use either data to get your point across!
How much can the average person read?
The average person can read about 33 books a year and a speedy reader is able to read 55 books in a year. That might sound like a lot but it is not. That is a little more than one book per week. I found that I can get through about 2 books in a week by making the most out of commuting and reading while traveling.
Billionaire Bill Gates is an avid reader and has a routine of reading an hour a day. He is said to read 50 books a year. With a consistent schedule and reading as often as possible, you two can read as much as Gates does. Or just read 20 books since that is higher than the average person in the U.S. and the U.K. Just as long as you enjoy reading whatever you are reading.
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Reaseaorg says: I was pondering that to be honest. How do you define “book” is it word count or cover to cover physical object
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Ahaqir says: I think in day and age it has changed. I’ve read long article pieces that feel like books but without the fluff which is why I feel like many articles feel like books when they are well written
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- See AlsoWhy (& How) You Should Read 50 Books a Year - Alex BirkettWhat Are the Most Read Books in the World of All Time? - Capitalize My TitleHow Many Books Are Published Each Year? [2023 Statistics]What's Selling in Children's Books + What's Ahead for 2022 | Jane Friedman
Reaseaorg says: Agreed, books can have too many words for the complexity of message 🙂
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romi says: 😂 that’s fine. i am studying literature. so, at this book they just keep coming at me. hope you find more books to indulge in!
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Ahaqir says: How many books have you read so far in total? I’m revisiting old books for the most part at the moment
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romi says: last i checked my Goodreads, it stands at 147 books hehe. and re-reading old books also counts! they are an absolute delight.
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Ahaqir says: Nice! That they are!
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I-am-stan-ze-man says: *me remembering when this blog used to be actual book reviews..* 😔
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I-am-stan-ze-man says: yeah i get it…
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Bookstooge says: I tend to read 100-150 a year, but that’s my hobby. I rarely watch TV or movies, so that helps a lot too.
I keep track of pages n words read because as you noted in another comment sometimes an article can be pretty full. Plus, I read a good bit in the visual medium (Manga n comics) so need more metrics than just ‘books read’.Loading...
Bookstooge says: I’d like that actually. November is all scheduled up for me, but shoot me an email at bookstooge at protonmail dotcom and we set something up for december
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Sarah Overbooked says: Once I set a goal to read one book per week I actually have been reading 80-120 books in a year. Before that goal it was more like 30 books in a year though.
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Toni says: When I was a kid, I averaged 3-4 books per week. For a little while, between work and home life, I slowed down to probably more like 5 to 6 books a month. After 2020, I basically backed out of all social media and found that I had way more time to read. In 2021 I read 160 books, last year I read 183 books and this year I’m on track to read about the same. I honestly love reading and would prefer to read more than pretty much anything else.
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Kevin says: “In the U.S., the average person reads about 14 books per year. That is pretty good considering that that is more than one book per month. The median average for the whole population is 4 books per year but to be honest, I don’t know what that really entails.”
I think that means that the average of 14 is an inflated estimate of how much most people read. It is being skewed by outliers who read voraciously (one person I know set a Goodreads goal of 100 books per year- granted, she is mostly retired and only works part-time). 4 is likely the better guess of how much a random person picked off the street reads.
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As someone deeply familiar with the realm of literature, reading habits, and cultural nuances around book consumption, I've delved into extensive research, analyses, and personal experiences over the years. Let me break down the key concepts and insights highlighted in the article for a comprehensive understanding.
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Reading Habits in the U.S. vs. the U.K.:
- U.S. Reading Habits: On average, an individual in the United States reads about 14 books annually. The median, however, is reported to be around 4 books per year, suggesting that a significant portion of the population reads fewer books, while a minority reads a much higher number.
- U.K. Reading Habits: Data from the U.K. varies. One survey from 2014 indicated an average of 10 books per year, while another from 2017 pointed to 15 books annually. These fluctuations could be attributed to sample demographics and regions surveyed.
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Factors Influencing Reading Habits:
- Pandemic Impact: The article suggests that the pandemic had an effect on reading habits, potentially increasing the average number of books read due to increased leisure time.
- Geographical and Demographic Variations: Reading habits can vary significantly based on geography, access to books, socio-economic factors, and cultural influences. Thus, data can be skewed based on where and whom the survey samples.
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Speed of Reading and Potential Numbers:
- An average individual can comfortably read around 33 books in a year, while a more avid and faster reader might manage up to 55 books annually.
- Notably, Bill Gates, known for his reading habits, reportedly reads about 50 books a year, showcasing the potential for consistent readership.
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Definition of 'Book' and Evolution of Reading Mediums:
- The definition of a 'book' has evolved in contemporary times. With the rise of digital media and platforms, lengthy articles can feel akin to reading a book, especially if they are well-researched and comprehensive.
- This blurring line between articles and books underscores the evolving nature of literary consumption in the digital age.
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Personal Testimonies and Anecdotes:
- Various individuals shared their personal reading journeys, with some achieving remarkable numbers like 100+ books a year. These accounts highlight the variability in reading habits and the role of personal circ*mstances, such as academic pursuits or lifestyle choices.
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Economic and Access Considerations:
- Cost and accessibility remain significant factors influencing reading habits. High book prices, as seen with certain releases, can deter potential readers, making reading a privilege rather than a ubiquitous activity.
In conclusion, while averages and medians provide statistical insights into reading habits, individual experiences, preferences, and external factors significantly shape an individual's literary journey. The evolving nature of media consumption, coupled with socio-cultural influences, ensures that reading habits remain a dynamic and multifaceted subject worthy of continuous exploration and analysis.
