Speech time calculator
Paste your script or enter a word count to see how long it takes to say out loud. Then work backwards from the length you need, or time yourself to find your real pace.
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Speaking time
0 seconds
0 words at 140 words per minute
- Words
- 0
- Characters
- 0
- Sentences
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
How many words for a set length?
Enter the length you need. We use the pace you picked above.
140 words at 140 words per minute
Measure your own pace
Put your script in the box above, press Start, read it aloud at your normal pace, then press Stop.
Words to minutes at common speaking paces.
Rounded to the nearest 10 words. Use it to plan a script before you write it.
| Length | Slow · 110 wpm | Average · 140 wpm | Fast · 170 wpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | 60 | 70 | 90 |
| 1 minute | 110 | 140 | 170 |
| 2 minutes | 220 | 280 | 340 |
| 3 minutes | 330 | 420 | 510 |
| 5 minutes | 550 | 700 | 850 |
| 10 minutes | 1,100 | 1,400 | 1,700 |
| 20 minutes | 2,200 | 2,800 | 3,400 |
Words divided by pace, plus the pauses you plan.
The calculator counts the words in your script and divides by your speaking pace in words per minute. A 420-word script at 140 words per minute takes 3 minutes.
The pace presets are a starting point, not a rule. People speak faster when they are excited and slower when they explain something technical or speak to a new audience. The most accurate number is your own, so use Measure your own pace on a script you plan to record.
Pauses add up. A breath between paragraphs, a beat after a key point or a moment to show something on screen all add time the word count cannot see. Tick Add pauses for a more realistic estimate.
Questions about speaking time.
How many words is a 1-minute speech?
About 110 to 170 words, depending on how fast you speak. At an average 140 words per minute, plan for about 140 words.
How long does it take to say 500 words?
About 3 minutes 35 seconds at 140 words per minute. At a slow 110 it is about 4 minutes 30 seconds; at a fast 170 it is just under 3 minutes.
How many words should a 5-minute presentation be?
Roughly 550 to 700 words. Presentations usually include pauses, slide changes and questions, so aim for the lower end and leave room to breathe.
Does this work for a video script?
Yes. Count only the words you will say, not stage directions or notes. Then open the script in our free teleprompter at the same pace.
What counts as a word?
Anything separated by spaces or line breaks, including numbers. Write numbers the way you will say them if you want a closer estimate: "twenty twenty-six" takes longer to say than "2026" suggests.