An “average” novel is usually around 80,000–90,000 words , with a broad normal range of about 60,000–100,000 words for most adult fiction.

What counts as a novel?

Most industry guides treat 40,000 words as the lower limit where something starts to be considered a true novel.

Very roughly:

  • Short story: under 7,500 words (often much less).
  • Novella: about 20,000–50,000 words.
  • Short novel / short book: around 50,000–60,000 words.
  • Standard novel: about 70,000–100,000 words.
  • Long / epic novel: 100,000+ words.

Typical word count ranges

Different sources cluster around similar numbers, especially for modern, commercially published fiction.

  • Many publishing guides say a typical novel is roughly 60,000–100,000+ words , with 80k as a common “sweet spot.”
  • One writing and editing resource estimates adult fiction at 70,000–120,000 words , guessing the “real” average near 90,000 words.
  • Another breakdown puts the average book overall at 60,000–100,000 words.

If you imagine a 300-page paperback at about 275–300 words per page, you land in that 80k–90k range nicely.

Genre differences (quick peek)

Word count also shifts by genre and audience.

  • Adult fiction (general) : about 70,000–120,000 words, most common around 80,000–90,000.
  • Fantasy / science fiction : often longer, commonly 100,000–150,000 words, with many bestsellers averaging near or just under 100k.
  • Thrillers / crime / contemporary : often 80,000–100,000+ words.
  • Young adult (YA) : typically 50,000–70,000 words.
  • Children’s novels : shorter than YA; the younger the reader, the fewer the words.

There are always exceptions (massive fantasy epics, very slim literary novels), but those sit outside the mainstream expectations.

Forum-style snapshot: what writers say

If you browse writing forums or Reddit threads about “how many words is the average novel,” you’ll see a pattern that mirrors the professional guides:

“Aim for about 80k for a debut, unless your genre expects longer (like epic fantasy). Under 60k feels light for adult, over 100k is harder to sell unless you really know the market.”

Many working authors and editors echo that advice:

  • Debut adult novels around 80,000 words are easier to pitch.
  • Going much above 100,000 words can be a tougher sell unless the genre (or your name recognition) justifies it.

Mini FAQ

Is 50,000 words enough for a novel?
Yes, it’s technically a short novel, and some genres (especially YA or certain niche adult books) sometimes land there, but many traditional publishers prefer a bit higher for adult fiction.

Is 120,000+ words “too long”?
Not automatically—but many editors suggest trying to keep most novels under 100k unless it’s epic fantasy, historical, or similar, where longer is more accepted.

Fast rule of thumb if you’re writing:
If you’re writing an adult novel right now, a safe, industry-friendly target is around 80,000–90,000 words.

TL;DR:

  • Threshold for “novel”: ~40,000+ words.
  • Normal range for most adult novels: 60,000–100,000 words.
  • Practical “average” to aim for: about 80,000–90,000 words.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.