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Speech Time Calculator

Use this speech time calculator to estimate how long your speech, presentation, podcast script or video script will take to deliver. Paste your text, choose a speaking pace, and see the speaking time instantly.

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Speech time

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Speaking time
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Words
130 wpm
Pace
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Sentences
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Speaking pace

130 words per minute · Conference / TED-style

Buffer time

Add time for pauses, applause or Q&A

1,000-word speech

≈ 8 min

At the default 130 WPM conference pace.

5-minute speech

≈ 650 words

At the default 130 WPM conference pace.

10-minute speech

≈ 1,300 words

At the default 130 WPM conference pace.

Words to speech time

Estimated speaking times at common speeds. Paste your script above for your exact count.

Word count 110 WPM 130 WPM 150 WPM 170 WPM
250 words 2m 16s1m 55s1m 40s1m 28s
500 words 4m 33s3m 51s3m 20s2m 56s
750 words 6m 49s5m 46s5 min4m 25s
1,000 words 9m 5s7m 42s6m 40s5m 53s
1,500 words 13m 38s11m 32s10 min8m 49s
2,000 words 18m 11s15m 23s13m 20s11m 46s
3,000 words 27m 16s23m 5s20 min17m 39s
5,000 words 45m 27s38m 28s33m 20s29m 25s
10,000 words 1h 30m1h 16m1h 6m58m 49s

Choosing the right speaking pace

Context Typical WPM Best for
Slow formal speech 100 Formal addresses, solemn speeches, complex material
Wedding toast / eulogy 110 Emotional delivery, pauses, applause moments
Conference / TED-style 130 Clear public speaking with slides or an audience
Casual presentation 140 Workplace talks, lessons, internal updates
Conversational speaking 150 Natural everyday speaking and informal talks
Audiobook narration 155 Clear narration over longer listening periods
Podcast / interview 170 Energetic spoken content, natural conversation
Fast news / radio 200 Fast delivery, short-form broadcast style

Tips for hitting your speech time

  • Practise aloud, not silently — silent read-throughs consistently underestimate delivery time.

  • Leave room for pauses, reactions and slide transitions. A well-timed pause lands better than rushing.

  • Add 10–20% extra time for Q&A, applause or audience interaction using the buffer option above.

  • Adrenaline often makes speakers rush on stage — aim to feel slightly too slow in rehearsal.

  • Mark pause points in your script to build in natural breathing and emphasis.

  • For a strict 10-minute slot, prepare around 8–9 minutes of script to avoid going over time.

Speech Time FAQ

How does the speech time calculator work?
Paste your script and the calculator counts your words, then divides by your selected speaking pace to estimate delivery time. If you do not have the full script yet, enter a word count in the planning field to get an estimate.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
At the default 130 WPM conference pace, a 5-minute speech is approximately 650 words. At a slower 100 WPM formal pace, a 5-minute speech is around 500 words.
How many words is a 10-minute speech?
At 130 WPM, a 10-minute speech is approximately 1,300 words. For a strict 10-minute slot, prepare around 1,000–1,100 words to allow time for pauses, applause or transitions.
What is a good speaking speed for a presentation?
Around 120–140 WPM works well for most presentations — clear enough to follow, with room for emphasis and pauses. 130 WPM is a widely-used default for conference and TED-style talks.
Why is speaking time slower than reading time?
Speaking aloud includes natural pauses, breathing, emphasis and delivery rhythm. Silent reading skips all of that, so it is typically 80–100 WPM faster than speaking the same content aloud.
Should I add extra time for Q&A or applause?
Yes. Use the Buffer option to add 10% for light audience interaction, or 20% for speeches with applause breaks, questions or slide transitions. It is better to prepare slightly short than to rush.
Can I paste my full speech?
Yes. Paste your text into the calculator and the word count and speech time update instantly. Your text stays in your browser — nothing is sent to a server.
Can I enter only a word count?
Yes. If the text area is empty, the planning word count field appears below it. Enter any number and the speech time estimate updates straight away — useful when planning before the script is ready.

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