Speaking time calculator
How long a speech or script takes to say at a slow, average or fast pace, and how many words fit your time slot.
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Speaking time at 150 wpm
5 min
750 words
- Slow (130 wpm)
- 5 min 46 sec
- Average (150 wpm)
- 5 min
- Fast (180 wpm)
- 4 min 10 sec
- Reading aloud (183 wpm)
- 4 min 6 sec
An estimate. Your real pace depends on pauses, slides and nerves.
Words for a 5-minute talk
| At your pace (150 wpm) | 750 words |
|---|---|
| Slow to fast | 650 to 900 words |
| Your script | 0 words to spare |
Words needed at 150 wpm
| 1 min | 150 words |
|---|---|
| 2 min | 300 words |
| 3 min | 450 words |
| 5 min | 750 words |
| 10 min | 1,500 words |
| 15 min | 2,250 words |
| 20 min | 3,000 words |
| 30 min | 4,500 words |
- Paces of 130, 150 and 180 words per minute are common presenting guides, not a standard. Time yourself reading one paragraph to find your own pace, then pick Custom.
- Pauses, slides, questions and laughter add time. Many speakers plan for about 10% less text than the slot allows.
What to do next
How it works
Speaking time is the word count divided by your pace in words per minute. Enter a word count or paste the script, and the calculator counts the words for you.
If you add the time you have, it works the other way and shows how many words fit, so you know how much to cut or add.
Things to keep in mind
The three paces are common guides, not a standard. Nerves usually make people speak faster, while pauses, slides and audience reactions slow a talk down.
For a timed slot like a toast, a wedding speech or a conference talk, rehearse once with a timer. That beats any estimate.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 750 words at 150 words per minute. At a slower 130 it is 650 words, and at a quick 180 it is 900.
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 6 minutes 40 seconds at 150 words per minute, or 7 minutes 42 seconds at a slower 130.
What is a normal speaking rate?
Most presenters land between 130 and 180 words per minute. A 2019 review found people read aloud at about 183 words per minute, and speeches with pauses tend to run slower than that.
How do I find my own pace?
Read one minute of your script out loud with a timer and count the words. Enter that number under Custom.