How to Read the Bible in a Year (A Simple 15-Minute Daily Plan)

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

When we look at the Bible sitting on our bedside table, it can feel like a mountain. It is big, it is dense, and for many of us, the idea of finishing the whole thing in 2026 feels impossible.

We tell ourselves we are too busy. We think we need hours of free time to make any real progress.

But what if we told you that you could read every word, from the "In the beginning" of Genesis to the final "Amen" of Revelation, in less time than it takes to scroll through Facebook on your lunch break?

The secret to completing the Bible isn't finding more hours in the day. It is realising how few you actually need.

In short:

How long does it take to read the Bible in a year?
To read the entire Bible in one year, you need to read roughly 3.25 chapters per day. For the average reader, this takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. While the Bible contains 1,189 chapters, breaking it down into these small daily segments makes the goal highly achievable for almost anyone, regardless of their schedule.

The Maths of Making it Happen

Let us break the mountain down into pebbles.

The Bible is a big book, but it isn't infinite. It contains 1,189 chapters. If you divide that by 365 days, you get roughly 3.25 chapters a day.

Depending on reading speed, an average person can read a chapter in 3 to 5 minutes. That means your total daily investment is roughly 15 minutes.

That is it. Just 15 minutes. It is one quarter of your lunch break. It is half a sitcom episode. It is the time spent waiting for the pasta water to boil. When you view it through this lens, the "impossible" task becomes a manageable daily habit.

How to Make the 15-Minute Plan Work

Knowing the maths is one thing, but actually doing it is another. Here is how to ring-fence those 15 minutes in 2026 so you actually cross the finish line.

1. The "Audio" Commute

If sitting down to read feels difficult, let your ears do the work.

The Plan: Most audio Bibles read at a steady pace. You can listen to your daily three chapters during your drive to work, while walking the dog, or whilst doing the washing up. You aren't "finding" time; you are redeeming time you are already spending on other things.

2. The "Bookend" Method

The Plan: Instead of trying to find a 15-minute block, split it up. Read one chapter when you wake up (5 minutes), one at lunch (5 minutes), and one before bed (5 minutes). This "bookend" approach keeps Scripture on your mind throughout the entire day rather than just in one isolated slot.

3. The "Grace" Buffer

The biggest reason people quit is falling behind.

The Plan: Aim to read for 20 minutes instead of 15. That extra 5 minutes acts as a buffer. It means on the days you are tired or the chapters are particularly long (like Psalm 119), you have already built in the time. And if you finish early? You can use the extra time to pray or journal.

Equip Yourself for Success

You don't need a special degree to read the Bible in a year, but you do need the right Bible. Whether you want a specific One Year Bible that cuts the text into dated portions for you, or a standard edition that is easy to carry, we can help you find it.

Find Your Perfect 2026 Bible Here

This year, don't let the size of the book scare you. Give God 15 minutes a day, and watch how He transforms your year.

Not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.