If you’ve ever wondered how many words is the average novel, the straightforward answer is about 80,000 words, which typically translates to 250–400 pages depending on formatting. This is considered the average word count of a novel across most genres, though the number can shift based on style and audience.
Knowing the average number of pages in a novel helps writers plan their manuscript length, estimate publishing costs, and match reader expectations. While creativity ultimately drives storytelling, understanding the average book length gives you a clear framework to work within before you dive into writing your draft.
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1. What Qualifies as a Novel?
The Baseline
Per the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (Nebula Awards), anything over 40,000 words qualifies as a novel. But while 40K might satisfy award criteria, it’s generally too short for adult publishing norms.
Industry Sweet Spot
Most adult novels fall between 70,000–100,000 words, with around 90,000 often considered the average target. Jane Friedman notes that 80K is ideal, under 60K is too short, and over 120K is often too long.
Authoritative Perspectives
- Writer’s Digest: “80K to 89,999 is 100% safe range…”
- Jane Smiley: typical novel length is 100–175K words
- No universal rule—context, genre, and storytelling depth guide length
Average Word Count of a Novel
The average word count of a novel typically ranges from 70,000 to 100,000 words. Shorter works can still be novels, but most publishers and readers expect manuscripts within this range.
| Type of Novel | Average Word Count | Average Novel Length (Pages) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Fiction | 80,000 – 100,000 | 250–400 | Standard publishing range |
| Romance | 70,000 – 90,000 | 230–330 | Faster-paced, lighter reads |
| Fantasy / Sci-Fi | 90,000 – 120,000 | 300–500 | World-building requires more words |
| Mystery / Thriller | 70,000 – 90,000 | 230–330 | Emphasis on suspense and pacing |
| Young Adult (YA) | 50,000 – 80,000 | 170–270 | Shorter, accessible for younger readers |
| Novella | 20,000 – 50,000 | 70–160 | Too long for short stories, shorter than full novels |
How Many Words in a Novel on Average?
If you’re asking how many words in a novel, the simple benchmark is 80,000 words. This is the industry standard across most genres, though certain categories like epic fantasy often run longer.\
Average Words Per Page in a Book
The average words per page in a book is about 250–300 words. This number varies with font, trim size, spacing, and dialogue usage.
| Format | Words Per Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paperback (6×9) | 250–300 | Most common format |
| Hardcover | 300–350 | Slightly more words per page |
| E-book | Variable | Depends on reader’s font settings |
Is Your Manuscript Too Short or Too Long?
The secret isn’t just word count—it’s how well you keep readers hooked. Our ghostwriters shape stories that balance pace, length, and impact.
Average Number of Pages in a Novel
Since the average novel word count is 80,000 and the average words per page is 250–300, the average number of pages in a novel works out to 250–400 pages.
- Shorter novels: 200–250 pages
- Standard novels: 300–350 pages
- Longer novels: 400+ pages
Average Book Length by Genre
Genres shape length expectations. Here’s how average book length compares:
| Genre | Average Word Count | Average Pages |
|---|---|---|
| Literary Fiction | 80,000 – 100,000 | 280–350 |
| Romance | 70,000 – 90,000 | 230–330 |
| Historical Fiction | 90,000 – 120,000 | 320–450 |
| Sci-Fi & Fantasy | 90,000 – 120,000+ | 300–500+ |
| YA Fiction | 50,000 – 80,000 | 170–270 |
| Children’s Chapter Books | 10,000 – 30,000 | 40–120 |
Why Word Count Matters for Authors
- Publishing standards: Traditional publishers prefer manuscripts within expected ranges.
- Reader expectations: Audiences anticipate certain average book lengths per genre.
- Printing costs: The average novel length pages directly affects cost in print.
- Market positioning: A well-sized novel is easier to market and distribute.
Tips for Managing Novel Word Count
- Draft freely, edit strategically.
- Compare your work to genre standards.
- Use professional editors to tighten or expand.
- Consider print on demand book printing for flexibility in testing length.
Worried About Word Count Rules?
Different genres have different standards—but a great story breaks through them all. We help you craft manuscripts that meet industry norms without losing creativity.
Words Per Page: Manuscript vs. Print
Knowing typical words per page helps estimate the actual physical length of your manuscript.
Manuscript Formatting (Standard)
- Double-spaced, 12-pt font yields ~250 words/page.
- Single-spaced roughly doubles: ~500 words/page.
Published Books (6″ × 9″ printing)
- Common range: 250–350 words/page.
- Fantasy may run ~370–400 wpp due to denser layout.
Writer Insights
“In a published novel…300–400 words per page is typical”
“6‑inch hardbacks average ~400 wpp” — fantasy novel author
Use 250 wpp for conservative estimates; increase for more text-dense genres.
Word-to-Page Quick Conversions
Here’s how various word counts translate:
| Words | Manuscript (250 wpp) | Print Book (300 wpp) |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | ~40 pages | ~33 pages |
| 50,000 | ~200 pages | ~167 pages |
| 80,000 | ~320 pages | ~267 pages |
| 100,000 | ~400 pages | ~333 pages |
| 150,000 | ~600 pages | ~500 pages |
| 300 words | ~1.2 manuscript pages | ~1 printed page |
- 10K words ≈ 40 manuscript pages, ~33 printed.
- 300 words ≈ 1 page in print; ~1.2 in double-spaced manuscript.
Struggling With Story Length?
A gripping book is never too short—or too long. Our ghostwriters refine your narrative to flow naturally, keeping every page engaging.
8. Practical Scenarios & Advice
Scenario: 50,000 Words
- Likely a novella or YA contemporary.
- Manuscript ~200 pages; printed ~167 pages.
- OK for short genres, but full-length adult debut may seem thin.
Scenario: 100,000 Words
- Solid adult novel—printed ~333 pages.
- Fits most publishing norms with room for plot and character development.
Scenario: 150,000+ Words
- Suited to epic fantasy/historical sagas.
- Printed ~500+ pages.
- Debut authors should ensure strong storytelling to justify length.
Final Takeaway
So, how many words is the average novel? The sweet spot is about 80,000 words, translating into 250–400 pages at roughly 250–300 words per page. The exact number depends on your genre, audience, and writing style, but knowing the average novel word count and the average number of pages in a novel gives you a practical framework.
Once you’ve finished your manuscript, services like Estorytellers POD book printing can turn your draft into a professional-quality book without worrying about bulk printing or inventory
Your Next Steps
- Download a Word–Page tracker (spreadsheet with daily, chapter, and cumulative goals).
- Compare word counts of 3–5 recent books in your niche using tools like Kindle or Goodreads word estimate sites.
- Read my guide on trimming and line-editing—it includes smart strategies to shave 5–15% of unnecessary words.
So if you’re writing your first draft or planning a tight thriller, use this guide—and the numbers—to keep your manuscript on track.
Unsure If Your Book Has the Right Length?
Great books aren’t defined by word count—they’re defined by impact. Our ghostwriters help you trim the excess or expand ideas into a compelling, market-ready manuscript.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many words is the average novel?
A: The average novel is usually between 70,000 and 100,000 words long. This is a range most traditional publishers and readers are comfortable with. If your book is in this range, it’s considered a full-length novel. Some genres, like romance or young adult, can be shorter (around 50,000–60,000 words), while epic fantasy or historical fiction can go longer (100,000–150,000+ words). But in general, 90,000 words is a safe and popular target.
Q2: How long is a novel in pages?
A: Most novels are about 300 to 400 pages long when printed. This depends on how many words are on each page, which can vary depending on font size, formatting, and trim size. On average, a book has 250 to 350 words per page, so if your novel has 90,000 words, it will likely be around 320 to 360 pages.
Q3: How many pages is 10,000 words?
A: That depends on the formatting: If you’re writing a manuscript in Word (double-spaced, 12-point font), 10,000 words would be about 40 pages. If it’s a printed book with around 300 words per page, it would be about 33 pages. So, it’s a short section—maybe a chapter or two in a longer novel.
Q4: How many words per page in a novel?
A: Printed novels typically have between 250 and 350 words per page. Books with smaller fonts and fewer breaks (like fantasy novels) may have closer to 350–400. Books with larger fonts or dialogue-heavy content might have 250 or even fewer. If you’re working on a manuscript, most people use 250 words per page as a safe estimate.
Q5: How many pages is 300 words?
A: 300 words is just a little more than one printed page. In a manuscript (double-spaced), it might take up a little over a page. In a book, especially one with lots of dialogue, 300 words would usually fill exactly one page.
Q6: What’s the average word count for a novel?
A: The average word count depends on the type of book, but for general adult fiction, it’s around 90,000 words. This gives authors enough space to build characters and a full story, but still keeps the book readable and market-friendly. Think of it like a movie with a good amount of plot, not too short, not too long.
Q7: How many words are in an average book?
A: An “average” book could mean many things—from nonfiction to memoirs or novels. But for novels specifically, the typical range is 70,000 to 100,000 words. For nonfiction books, especially business or self-help, the range might be 50,000 to 80,000 words.
Q8: How many words is a typical novel?
A: A typical novel is usually 80,000 to 100,000 words long. That length gives enough space for character development, subplots, and a satisfying ending. If you’re a first-time writer, staying within that range makes your book more appealing to agents and publishers.
