Speaking Time Calculator

At an average speaking pace of 130 words per minute, 1000 words takes about 7 minutes and 42 seconds. A slow, deliberate delivery at 100 words per minute runs to 10 minutes, while a brisk 160 words per minute brings it down to roughly 6 minutes and 15 seconds.

Average conversational presenting is about 130 words per minute, which is the default here. Use the slow preset of 100 words per minute for formal speeches with pauses, and the fast preset of 160 words per minute for energetic or conversational delivery such as a podcast.

At the average 130 words per minute, a 5 minute speech is about 650 words. Switch the tool to find words for a duration, enter 5 minutes, and adjust the pace to match how quickly you speak, since a slower delivery needs fewer words for the same time.

The estimate is based purely on a steady speaking rate, so it does not add time for long pauses, audience reactions, slides or questions. If your delivery has many deliberate pauses, choose the slow preset or set a lower custom rate to allow for them.

Yes. Most people read silently at 200 to 300 words per minute but speak much more slowly, around 100 to 160 words per minute, so a script always takes longer to say than to read. This tool uses spoken rates, not silent reading speeds.