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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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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.
Most adult novels fall between 70,000 and 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.
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 |
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.\
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Knowing typical words per page helps estimate the actual physical length of your manuscript.
“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.
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 |
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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