What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
readership
Example
The newspaper has a large readership in the local community. [readership: noun]
Example
The author's readership consists mostly of young adults interested in fantasy novels. [readership: noun]
circulation
Example
The magazine has a circulation of over 100,000 copies per month. [circulation: noun]
Example
The book was passed around the office, increasing its circulation among coworkers. [circulation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Circulation is more commonly used than readership in the publishing industry. Circulation is a standard metric used to measure the success of a publication, while readership is often used in conjunction with other metrics to provide a more comprehensive view of a publication's popularity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between readership and circulation?
Both readership and circulation are formal terms used in the publishing industry. However, circulation may be considered more formal as it is a standard industry term used in financial reports and other official documents.
