Speed Reading vs Skimming: What's the Difference (And Which Should You Use)?

"Isn't speed reading just skimming?" It's the most common question we hear — and the answer is a definitive no. Speed reading and skimming are fundamentally different techniques with different goals, different methods, and different outcomes. Understanding the distinction is crucial if you want to actually improve your reading.

The Quick Answer

Skimming means jumping over content to get the gist. You deliberately skip words, sentences, and sometimes entire paragraphs. You sacrifice detail for speed.

Speed reading means reading every word but processing them more efficiently. You don't skip content — you train your brain to absorb it faster through specific techniques like reduced subvocalization and expanded visual span.

The Key Differences

How Speed Reading Works

Speed reading targets the biological bottlenecks that slow down reading:

• Subvocalization — Your inner voice "says" each word, capping you at ~300 WPM (the speed of speech). Speed reading trains you to process words visually without this inner speech. Learn how to stop subvocalizing →
• Narrow fixation — Most people focus on one word at a time. Speed reading expands your visual span to capture 3-5 words per fixation.
• Regression — Re-reading previous sentences wastes time. Speed reading techniques like pace guides prevent your eyes from jumping back.
• Slow saccades — The jumps your eyes make between fixation points. Training makes these faster and more efficient.

Tools like RSVP (Rapid Serial Visual Presentation) and chunk reading directly train these skills. With our free speed reading app, you can practice all of them.

How Skimming Works

Skimming is a strategic reading approach where you deliberately skip content:

• Read headings and subheadings
• Read first and last sentences of paragraphs
• Scan for keywords, numbers, and names
• Skip examples, explanations, and supporting details
• Focus on bold, italic, and highlighted text

Skimming is a valuable skill but it's fundamentally different from reading. You're making conscious decisions about what to skip.

When to Use Each

Use Speed Reading When:

• You need full comprehension (studying, work documents, exam prep)
• You'll be tested on the material
• You're reading something important for the first time
• You need to remember details and nuances
• The material is complex or unfamiliar

Use Skimming When:

• You're deciding whether to read something in full
• You need the general idea but not specifics
• You're reviewing material you've already read
• You're triaging a large volume of content (emails, articles)
• Time is extremely limited

The Best Approach: Use Both

Elite readers combine both techniques strategically:

1. Skim first — Preview the material to understand structure, identify key sections, and decide what needs deep reading.
2. Speed read the important parts — Apply speed reading techniques to sections that need full comprehension.
3. Skim or skip the rest — Don't waste time speed reading material you've already grasped or that isn't relevant.

This "preview-then-read" approach is especially powerful for exam preparation, research papers, and professional reading.

How to Get Started

The fastest way to develop real speed reading skills (not just skimming faster) is structured practice:

1. Take a speed reading test to measure your current WPM
2. Start RSVP training at your current speed
3. Gradually increase WPM by 10% every few sessions
4. Add chunk reading after 1-2 weeks
5. Test weekly to track improvement

With 15-20 minutes of daily practice, most people double their reading speed within 30 days — while actually reading every word. That's the power of speed reading over skimming. See the full 30-day program →