TP24

Words per minute & speech length calculator

Paste a script to get its reading time, or pick a duration to see how many words you need. A 5-minute speech is about 650 words at an average pace.

Speaking pace130 words/min
0
words
—
at 130 wpm

Free · reads it back as a scrolling teleprompter

How many words for a speech of…

DurationSlow (110)Average (130)Fast (160)
1 minute110130160
2 minutes220260320
3 minutes330390480
5 minutes550650800
10 minutes1,1001,3001,600
15 minutes1,6501,9502,400
20 minutes2,2002,6003,200
30 minutes3,3003,9004,800

How the speech calculator works

Speaking time comes down to two numbers: how many words you have, and how fast you say them. Most people speak at 120–150 words per minute, so we use 130 as the average, 110 for a slow, deliberate delivery, and 160 for a fast one. Divide your word count by that pace and you have your run time.

The catch is that your real pace on stage or on camera is rarely the one in your head — nerves push it up, pauses pull it down. That's why the most reliable way to hit your time is to rehearse the script at a fixed pace. Paste it above to get the number, then read it back on the free teleprompter at exactly that speed.

Common speech lengths

A 1-minute speech is ~130 words, a 2-minute speech ~260, a 3-minute speech ~390, a 5-minute speech ~650, and a 10-minute speech ~1,300 — all at an average pace. Speaking slowly? Aim about 15% lower. The table in the calculator gives every duration for slow, average and fast delivery.

Words per minute & speech length — FAQ

How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at an average speaking pace of 130 words per minute. If you speak slowly, plan for roughly 550 words; if you speak quickly, up to 800. Paste your draft into the calculator above to see the exact reading time for your script.
How many words per minute do people speak?
Conversational and presentation speech is typically 120–150 words per minute, with 130 a good average. Audiobook narration sits around 150–160. Nervous speakers often rush past 160 — reading from a teleprompter helps you hold a steady, calm pace.
How many words is a 3-minute or 10-minute speech?
At an average 130 words per minute, a 3-minute speech is about 390 words and a 10-minute speech about 1,300 words. Use the table above for slow, average and fast pacing at every common duration.
How do I calculate reading time for my own script?
Switch the calculator to “My script → time”, paste your text, and it counts the words and divides by your chosen speaking pace. Adjust the words-per-minute slider to match how fast you actually talk.
Can I practise my speech with a teleprompter?
Yes — that's what Teleprompter24 is for, and it's free. Once you know your word count, hit “Prompt this script” to read it back as smooth scrolling text at the exact pace you set, so your timing on stage or on camera matches the plan.