Words to Minutes
How long does it take to say — or read — a given number of words?
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silent reading
Quick reference
| 250 words | ≈ 2 min speech | ≈ 1 min read |
| 500 words | ≈ 4 min speech | ≈ 2 min read |
| 650 words | ≈ 5 min speech | ≈ 3 min read |
| 1,000 words | ≈ 8 min speech | ≈ 4 min read |
| 1,500 words | ≈ 12 min speech | ≈ 6 min read |
| 2,000 words | ≈ 15 min speech | ≈ 8 min read |
| 3,000 words | ≈ 23 min speech | ≈ 13 min read |
| 5,000 words | ≈ 38 min speech | ≈ 21 min read |
Have the text itself? Paste it into the word counter and get reading time automatically.
How many words per minute is normal speech?
Conversational presentations average around 130 words per minute. Slow, deliberate delivery runs 100–110; fast talkers reach 160. The calculator lets you pick a pace.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
At an average pace, about 650 words. At a slow pace, 500–550; at a fast pace, up to 800.