Or paste your speech to count the words
About the Speech Time Calculator
How long is a speech of 1,300 words? About 10 minutes at a normal pace. This free speech time calculator gives the answer at three speeds at once: slow, average and fast.
Type the number of words, or paste your whole speech and the tool counts the words. It also works the other way: type the minutes you have, and see how many words to write.
All the numbers are worked out in your browser. Your text is not uploaded.
Features
- Words → time at a slow, average and fast pace, side by side
- Time → words — how many words fit in 1, 5, 10, 20 minutes or any time
- Paste your speech — the words are counted for you
- Your own speeds — change the 100 / 130 / 160 words per minute to match how you talk
- Quick buttons for common talk lengths
- Copy the result as a short summary
- Remembers your speeds on this device
How it is worked out
Speaking time = words ÷ words per minute. The answer is rounded to the nearest second.
- Slow — 100 words per minute: a careful pace, for a big room, a tricky topic, or listeners who are learning the language
- Average — 130 words per minute: a normal talk or presentation
- Fast — 160 words per minute: a quick, lively speaker; news readers and podcasts are often here
Real people change speed during a talk, and pauses, slides and laughter all add time. Use the numbers as a plan, then time yourself once.
Words to minutes
| Words | Slow (100 wpm) | Average (130 wpm) | Fast (160 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1:00 | 0:46 | 0:38 |
| 250 | 2:30 | 1:55 | 1:34 |
| 500 | 5:00 | 3:51 | 3:08 |
| 750 | 7:30 | 5:46 | 4:41 |
| 1,000 | 10:00 | 7:42 | 6:15 |
| 1,300 | 13:00 | 10:00 | 8:08 |
| 1,500 | 15:00 | 11:32 | 9:23 |
| 2,000 | 20:00 | 15:23 | 12:30 |
| 2,500 | 25:00 | 19:14 | 15:38 |
| 3,000 | 30:00 | 23:05 | 18:45 |
| 5,000 | 50:00 | 38:28 | 31:15 |
Minutes to words
| Speech length | Slow (100 wpm) | Average (130 wpm) | Fast (160 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 min | 100 | 130 | 160 |
| 2 min | 200 | 260 | 320 |
| 3 min | 300 | 390 | 480 |
| 5 min | 500 | 650 | 800 |
| 7 min | 700 | 910 | 1,120 |
| 10 min | 1,000 | 1,300 | 1,600 |
| 15 min | 1,500 | 1,950 | 2,400 |
| 20 min | 2,000 | 2,600 | 3,200 |
| 30 min | 3,000 | 3,900 | 4,800 |
| 45 min | 4,500 | 5,850 | 7,200 |
| 60 min | 6,000 | 7,800 | 9,600 |
Tips for timing a talk
- Write for the slow column. Nerves make most people speak faster, but pauses, questions and slides take time. A script that fits at 100 words per minute rarely runs over.
- Leave room. For a 10-minute slot, plan about 9 minutes of words. The host will thank you.
- Read it aloud once with a timer. Then type your own speed into *Average* — divide your words by your minutes.
- Mark the half-way point in your script, so you know on the day if you are early or late.
- Short sentences are easier to say and easier to follow.
- For a wedding toast, 3 to 5 minutes is plenty — about 400 to 650 words.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at an average pace of 130 words per minute. At a slow pace it is 500 words, at a fast pace 800.
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 7 minutes 42 seconds at 130 words per minute. Slow: 10 minutes. Fast: 6 minutes 15 seconds.
What is a normal speaking speed?
Most people speak between 120 and 160 words per minute in a talk. Careful speakers in a big room are nearer 100; fast talkers and many podcasts are near 160 or more.
How do I find my own speed?
Read 2 minutes of your speech aloud with a timer, count the words you read, and divide by 2. Type the result into one of the speed boxes.
Does it count words the same way as a word counter?
Yes, roughly: a word is a run of letters or digits. "Don't" and "e-mail" count as one word each.
Related tools
- Word Counter — count the words of your speech
- Presentation Timer — green, yellow and red cards while you speak
- Teleprompter — scroll your script while you speak
- Text to Speech — hear your speech read aloud
- Voice Recorder — record a practice run and listen back
How to use it
- Choose Words → speaking time or Time → how many words
- Type the number of words — or open *Or paste your speech* and paste it
- Or type the minutes and seconds you have, or press a quick button
- Read the answer at the slow, average and fast pace
- Change the speeds to your own if you know them, and press Copy the result
