5 Popular and Effective Ways to Track Reading Progress

In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding the time to read can be challenging.

Tracking your reading progress can be an effective way to stay motivated and accountable. In this article, we'll explore five popular and effective ways to track books and reading. From time-tested methods to the best book tracker apps, we’ll help you find the one that works for you.

Why You Should Track Reading

Tracking book progress can help you to stay focused, motivated and help you to achieve your reading goals. It can also provide a way for you to reflect on your reading habits and preferences and help you to make more informed choices when selecting reading material.

What Are The Tools to Keep Track of Reading Progress?

There are several tools that you can use to track your reading. They include reading journals, notebooks, Goodreads, spreadsheets, and reading tracker apps. We will go over each method and give a brief overview of each. In addition, will list the main benefits and how to get started.

Think About Your Reading As TV Time

TV series are fantastic for entertainment (and some information), but it's definitely preferable to restrict your TV binge as much as you can if you're trying to read more. Why not spend some of that time reading rather than lounging in front of the television for hours? You'll be shocked at how much progress you make in no time at all if you set up an hour or two each day for reading rather than watching TV or movies.

1. Reading Journals And Notebooks

A reading journal or notebook is a great way to keep track of reading. You can use a physical notebook or a digital one to keep track of the books you've read, your thoughts and reactions to each book, and your reading goals. This can help you identify patterns in your reading habits and make adjustments to improve your reading experience.


A reading journal allows you to reflect on your reading journey, remember important details, and track your goals. It can also be a creative outlet to experiment with different writing styles or add creative elements to your entries.


  • Create a dedicated notebook or section in your journal for tracking your reading progress
  • Write down the title and author of each book you read, along with the date you finished reading it
  • Add notes on your thoughts, reactions, and any quotes that stood out to you
  • Keep track of your reading goals, such as the number of books you want to read in a month or year
  • Use the journal to reflect on your reading habits and preferences, and make adjustments to improve your reading experience

2. Goodreads

Goodreads is a popular social media platform for book lovers. It allows you to create a profile, rate and review books, and track your books. You can also set reading goals, join reading challenges, and connect with other readers to share recommendations and discuss books. Note there are several Goodreads alternatives, but we decided to focus on the most popular reading platform for this article.

  • Create a Goodreads account and start building your reading profile
  • Search for and add books to your "want to read" list
  • Log each book you finish reading, including your rating and review
  • Join reading challenges and groups to connect with other readers and discover new books
  • Use Goodreads to track your progress toward reading goals, such as the number of books you want to read in a year

3. Spreadsheets

For those who prefer a more structured approach, spreadsheets can be an excellent tool. You can create a spreadsheet to log the books you've read, the date you finished them, and any other relevant information, such as the author, genre, and your rating of the book.

  • Create a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
  • Use the first column to list the titles of the books you've read
  • Use subsequent columns to track additional information, such as the author, genre, date finished, and your rating of the book
  • Use formulas to automatically calculate your reading stats, such as the number of books you've read in a month or year
  • Customize the spreadsheet to fit your preferences and reading goals

4. Reading Tracker Apps

Reading trackers are a convenient way to keep track of your reading on the go. There are several apps available, such as Bookly, Basmo, and Reading List, that allow you to set reading goals, track your reading speed, and receive reminders to keep you on track.


  • Download a book tracker app, such as Bookly or Fiction
  • Use the app to log the books you've read, along with any notes or ratings
  • Set reading goals, such as the number of pages or minutes you want to read each day
  • Use the app to track your progress toward your reading goals and receive reminders to help you stay on track
  • Some book tracker apps may also offer additional features, such as reading speed tracking and book recommendations

5. Fiction Reading and TBR Tracker

Fiction is a book tracker app and reading organizer that allows you to easily track your reading lists and take notes on your favorite books. With Fiction, you can set reading goals, track your reading speed, jot down notes and quotes, get personalized reading stats and tips, set book end goals, and receive daily reminders to stay on track.


  • Fiction is designed with an absolute focus on essential features for bookl tracking, making it intuitive and user-friendly
  • The app features a beautiful and minimalist design that is easy on the eyes
  • You can gain insight and find daily motivation to read
  • The app also features book end goals, allowing you to set a deadline for finishing a book and receive daily reminders to stay on track
  • Fiction is a great reading companion app for readers who want a simple, aesthetically pleasing way to track their progress without any unnecessary distractions or clutter

Tracking your reading can be a helpful tool to help you stay motivated and achieve your reading goals. We reviewed several of the main methods and ways to do it. From mоre оld-school options such as reading journals and spreadsheets to digital tools like Goodreads and reading tracker apps.


We hope this information will help you in your daily reading journey and enable to make more informed choices when selecting future books to read. Whether you prefer a structured or more free-form approach, there is a tool out there that can help you to achieve your reading goals.