Free tool
Speech time calculator
Find out how long your speech will take, or how many words you need for a time limit. Paste your script to time it, or enter words or minutes.
Speech time calculator
Words per minute at a glance
| Length | Slow (110 wpm) | Average (140 wpm) | Fast (170 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 15 minutes | 1,650 | 2,100 | 2,550 |
| 20 minutes | 2,200 | 2,800 | 3,400 |
| 30 minutes | 3,300 | 4,200 | 5,100 |
How the calculator works
It divides the number of words by your speaking pace. Most presenters speak at 120–160 words per minute; 140 is a good planning figure. Conversational speech can be faster, and a slow, deliberate delivery (a eulogy, or speaking to a large room) can drop to around 110.
To find your own pace, take the speaking speed test: read a short passage aloud and it measures your words per minute.
Tips for hitting your time
- Plan to finish 10% under the limit: pauses, laughter and nerves add time.
- Rehearse with a timer at least twice, out loud and standing up.
- Mark a halfway point in your script so you know whether to speed up or trim.