How many cue cards do you need for a speech?
Last updated: 5 October 2026 · Written by the Cue Card Converter team at EventProgrammer, event production professionals
The number of cue cards depends on three things: how long you speak, how much you write on each card, and how big the cards are. Here is a quick formula, a ready-made table and the rules of thumb event hosts use.
The quick formula
Cards = (minutes × words per minute) ÷ words per card.
Most people speak at about 120–140 words per minute on stage; 130 is a sensible average. A full-text card holds roughly 100 words on A5 or half-letter, 60 on a 4 × 6 inch or A6 card and 40 on a 3 × 5 inch card at a readable size. So a five-minute speech (about 650 words) needs about 7 A5 cards, 11 cards of 4 × 6 inches or 16 cards of 3 × 5 inches.
Cue cards per speech length (full script)
| Speech length | Words at 130 wpm | A5 / Half Letter (~100 words) | 4 × 6 in / A6 (~60 words) | 3 × 5 in (~40 words) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 130 | 2 | 2–3 | 3–4 |
| 2 minutes | 260 | 3 | 4–5 | 7 |
| 3 minutes | 390 | 4 | 7 | 10 |
| 5 minutes | 650 | 7 | 11 | 16 |
| 10 minutes | 1,300 | 13 | 22 | 33 |
| 20 minutes | 2,600 | 26 | 43 | 65 |
Add a card for every timed segment that starts fresh – “19:30 – Awards” – and for any list of names that must not be split.
Keyword cards: fewer cards, more eye contact
If you know the material and only need prompts, write one main point per card with three to five short cues underneath. Then the number of cards simply follows the structure of the talk:
- 3-minute speech: 4–5 cards – opening, two or three points, close.
- 5-minute speech: 5–8 cards.
- 10-minute talk: 8–12 cards.
Write the opening and closing lines in full even on keyword cards: they are the moments when nerves are highest.
When to use more cards rather than fewer
- The speaker is reading in a second language, or reads slowly.
- The script is full of names, titles and figures that must be exact – an MC script or an award ceremony.
- The stage is dark or the speaker needs larger type.
- Several people share the script and cards are handed over between segments.
Fewer, fuller cards are fine when you stand at a lectern and can lay them flat. Many thin cards are easier to hold and turn when you walk the stage.
Let the tool count for you
Paste your speech into the speech time calculator to see its length at your own pace. Or upload it to the cue card maker: choose a card size and it sets a sensible number of words per card, splits the speech at natural pauses and shows the estimated time of every card and of the whole speech. Practice mode then lets you check the timing card by card.
Frequently asked questions
How many cue cards for a 5-minute speech?
About 7 A5 cards, 11 cards of 4 × 6 inches or 16 cards of 3 × 5 inches if you write the full text at a normal pace of 130 words per minute. With keyword cards, 5 to 8 cards are usually enough.
How many cue cards for a 3-minute speech?
Around 4 A5 cards, 7 cards of 4 × 6 inches or 10 cards of 3 × 5 inches for a full script, or 4 to 5 keyword cards.
How many words should be on one cue card?
For a full script, about 100 words on A5, 60 on a 4 × 6 inch card and 40 on a 3 × 5 inch card. For keyword cards, one main point and three to five short prompts.
Should I number my cue cards?
Yes. Number every card as “4 / 11” so a dropped stack can be put back in order in seconds and you always know how far through you are.
More guides
- How to make cue cards for a speech or event
- Free palm card maker for speeches and oral presentations
- Turn PowerPoint speaker notes into cue cards
- Convert a PDF speech into cue cards
- Cue card makers for speeches compared
- How to write an MC script that keeps your event on time
- Run of show template: how to plan an event programme minute by minute
- What is a cue card and when should you use one?
- Free cue card template (Word, PDF): 3×5, 4×6 and A5 sizes
- Moderator cue cards: how to run a panel discussion from your cards
- How to write an award ceremony script and winner reveal cards
- Event planning checklist: what to do and when, from one month out to show day
- How to edit cue cards when the script changes at the last minute
- Opening speech examples and a simple structure for welcome remarks
- MC script examples: ready-to-use host lines from doors to closing
- Cue card examples: three real decks with PDFs