How to use the speaking time calculator
Paste your speech, presentation notes, video script or podcast intro. The estimated speaking time appears at the top, using the pace you choose. Underneath you'll see the same script timed at a slow, conversational and fast pace, and how long it takes to read silently for comparison.
Pick a preset pace or enter your own words per minute. If you pause between sections, to change slides or let a point sink in, enter the length of that pause in Pause between paragraphs. It is added once between each pair of paragraphs.
Typical speaking speeds
| Pace | Words per minute | Where you hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Slow and deliberate | 100 to 120 | Speeches with a translator, teaching, formal ceremonies |
| Conversational | 130 to 150 | Presentations, business talks, most YouTube narration |
| Fast | 160 to 180 | Energetic podcasts, sports commentary, experienced hosts |
Most people speak faster than they think when nervous and slower than they think when reading unfamiliar text aloud. The best way to find your own pace is to read one minute of your script with a timer, count the words, and enter that number.
Words to minutes: quick guide
| Length of talk | Words at 130 wpm | Words at 150 wpm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 130 | 150 |
| 3 minutes | 390 | 450 |
| 5 minutes | 650 | 750 |
| 10 minutes | 1,300 | 1,500 |
| 20 minutes | 2,600 | 3,000 |
Tips for timing a speech or script
- Leave room for pauses and reactions. Laughter, applause, questions and slide changes all take time. Aim for a script that runs about 10 percent under your time slot.
- Write numbers the way you say them. "2026" is one word on the page but four when spoken. Spell out figures, dates and abbreviations in your script for a more accurate count.
- Time your voiceovers. For a 60-second video ad or reel, a script of 130 to 150 words leaves enough room to breathe. Explainer and faceless YouTube videos often run at about 150 words per minute.
- Rehearse at least once. The calculator gives a reliable starting point, but a real read-through with a stopwatch is the final check.
To see how long the same text takes to read silently, try the Reading Time Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 to 750 words at a normal conversational pace of 130 to 150 words per minute.
What is a normal speaking rate?
Around 130 to 150 words per minute for presentations and everyday conversation. Audiobooks and podcasts often run at 150 to 160.
How long does it take to say 1,000 words?
About 7 minutes at 140 words per minute, or between 6 and 9 minutes depending on your pace.
How do I find my own speaking pace?
Read a passage aloud at your normal pace for exactly one minute, count the words you got through, and enter that number in Words per minute.
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