Words to Speech Time Calculator
Estimate how long a speech, presentation, podcast or voice-over script takes to say out loud. Type a word count or paste the script, pick a speaking pace, add pauses, slide changes and Q&A, and see how many words fit your time limit.
How it works
Speaking minutes = words ÷ words per minute · Total = speaking + sentences × pause + (speaking + pauses) × allowance % + slides × seconds per slide + fixed time · Words that fit = time limit × words per minute (less pauses and fixed time)
Most people speak at 120–160 words per minute: about 100 when slow and deliberate, around 130 for a presentation, and 150 or more in conversation or on a podcast. Audiobook narrators aim for roughly 150–160. Dividing the word count by your pace gives the time to say the words; a real talk also has pauses, slide changes and moments for laughter or questions, so those are added on top here. Paste your script to have the words, sentences and paragraphs counted for you, or type a word count. To find your own pace, read one minute of the script aloud at the speed you will use and count the words. If you have a fixed slot, enter it as a time limit to see how many words fit and how many to cut or add. Silent reading is much faster (about 238 words per minute for adults), which is why a script always feels shorter when you read it to yourself.
Worked example
800 words at 130 wpm is 800 ÷ 130 = 6.15 minutes, about 6 min 9 s. With 20 slides at 3 seconds each (1 minute) and a 10% allowance (37 seconds), the talk runs about 7 min 46 s. In a 5-minute slot at 130 wpm, about 650 words fit, so the 800-word script needs about 150 words cut.
Sources: Brysbaert (2019), How many words do we read per minute? Journal of Memory and Language
Frequently asked questions
What pace should I use?
About 130 wpm for a presentation or lecture, 150 for conversational speech or a podcast, 115 for a formal speech or sermon and 100 for slow, deliberate delivery. The best number is your own: read a minute of your script aloud and count the words.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at 130 wpm, 500 at a slow 100 wpm and 800 at a fast 160 wpm. The table of common lengths shows the same for 1 to 60 minutes.
Should I add time for pauses and slides?
Yes. A breath pause after each sentence, a few seconds per slide and time for questions add up quickly. Use the options under More options, or add a 10–20% allowance if you are not sure.
How long is a 1,000-word speech?
About 7 min 42 s at 130 wpm, between 6 min 15 s (160 wpm) and 10 minutes (100 wpm) depending on your pace.
Why does my script feel shorter when I read it silently?
Silent reading runs at about 238 words per minute for adults, nearly twice a typical speaking pace, so always time a speech out loud or by speaking pace, not by how long it takes to read.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.