Reading Goal Calculator

How many pages should I read a day?

Your daily reading goal depends on how many pages are left and how much time you have before your deadline. For example, if you have 300 pages left and 20 days to finish the book, you need to read an average of 15 pages per day.

If you already started the book, don't count the pages you've finished again. Enter the number of pages remaining in the calculator by entering the book's total pages and the pages you've already read.

How the reading goal calculation works

The calculation is simple: first find out how many pages are left, then divide those pages by the number of days available until your target date.

Pages remaining = Total pages − Pages already read
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Pages per day = Pages remaining ÷ Days remaining

The result is your average daily reading target. If the answer includes a decimal, you can round up to the next whole page so you have a little extra room before the deadline.

How to use the Reading Goal Calculator

1. Enter the total pages. Add the total number of pages in your book.
2. Enter the pages you've already read. If you're starting from page 1, enter zero.
3. Choose your target finish date. Pick the date by which you want to finish the book.
4. Check your daily reading goal. The calculator shows the average number of pages you need to read each day.

Reading goal example

Suppose you're reading a 400-page book and you've already finished 80 pages. You therefore have 320 pages left.

If you have 16 days remaining before your target finish date, the calculation is:

400 − 80 = 320 pages remaining
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320 ÷ 16 = 20 pages per day

In this example, reading about 20 pages a day will get you to the end of the book on schedule.

Pages per day for common reading goals

Here's a quick reference for some common book lengths. These figures assume you are starting from the first page and reading at a steady pace.

What if I miss a day of reading?

Missing an occasional reading day doesn't mean you've lost your goal. Simply update the calculator with the number of pages you have actually finished and your new target date.

For example, if you planned to read 20 pages a day but missed two days, you can recalculate your remaining pages over the days you have left. Your new daily target may be slightly higher, but the goal can still be manageable.

Another option is to build a small buffer into your schedule. Instead of aiming for exactly the minimum number of pages, reading one or two extra pages when you have time can give you some flexibility later.

Tips for setting a realistic reading goal

• Start with a daily target that fits your normal schedule.
• Leave some flexibility for busy days or weekends.
• Use your actual reading pace rather than an ideal pace you rarely maintain.
• If the required daily pages seem too high, consider moving your finish date.
• Tracking your progress can make a large book feel much more manageable.

Frequently asked questions