Speech time calculator
Paste a speech, host script or presentation text to estimate how long it will take to say out loud. Change the pace to match the speaker, or enter a target length to see how many words you have.
How the speaking time is calculated
The calculator counts the words in your text and divides them by the speaking pace in words per minute. At 130 words per minute, a 650-word speech takes about five minutes. The result is an estimate: pauses, applause, laughter, a video cue or a slow, deliberate delivery all add time on the day.
Typical speaking rates
| Pace | Words per minute | Where you hear it |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 100–110 | Ceremonies, tributes, speeches with many names |
| Normal | 120–140 | Most presentations, host scripts and opening remarks |
| Fast | 150–170 | Energetic hosts, short announcements |
These ranges are rough guides. The quickest way to find a speaker’s real pace is to time one minute of them reading aloud and count the words.
How many words for a 1, 3, 5 or 10-minute speech?
| Length | Words at 110 wpm | Words at 130 wpm | Words at 150 wpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 110 | 130 | 150 |
| 3 minutes | 330 | 390 | 450 |
| 5 minutes | 550 | 650 | 750 |
| 10 minutes | 1,100 | 1,300 | 1,500 |
| 20 minutes | 2,200 | 2,600 | 3,000 |
Leave room for what is not in the script
- Add 10–20 seconds for each round of applause or a speaker walking to the stage.
- Count video clips, award presentations and photo moments separately in the run of show.
- Names, titles and numbers slow most speakers down, so a script full of acknowledgements runs longer than its word count suggests.
- Rehearse aloud once with a timer: reading silently is always faster than speaking.
Speaking time on cue cards
A cue card with 80–120 words holds roughly 45–60 seconds of speech, so the number of cards is a quick check of a speech’s length. When you upload a script to the cue card converter, every card shows its estimated speaking time and the editor shows the total, using the pace you choose. More on card length in the guide how to make cue cards.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
At a typical pace of 120 to 140 words per minute, a 5-minute speech is about 600 to 700 words. A slow, ceremonial delivery fits closer to 500 to 550 words.
How many words per minute do people speak?
Most presenters speak at about 120 to 150 words per minute on stage. Conversation is often faster, and ceremonies or speeches with many names are slower.
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 7 to 8 minutes at 130 words per minute, before pauses and applause.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser and the text is not uploaded.
Guides
- How to make cue cards for a speech or event
- 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?
- Cue card template guide: sizes, fonts, margins and printing
- Moderator cue cards: how to run a panel discussion from your cards