Writing Tools
Speech Time Calculator
Estimate how long a speech or script will take to deliver out loud, based on word count and speaking pace.
130 wpm
Average conversational pace is around 130 words per minute.
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Words
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Speaking time
How the Speech Time Calculator works
Paste your speech or script and set your speaking pace. The calculator counts words and divides by your words-per-minute rate to estimate how long it will take to deliver out loud.
Frequently asked questions
What's a typical speaking pace?
Around 130 words per minute is typical for conversational speaking; presentations and formal speeches are often a bit slower, closer to 100–120 wpm.
Should I practice with a timer instead?
This gives a solid estimate for planning, but practicing out loud with a timer is the most accurate way to know your actual delivery time.
Guides that cover this
Simple Tools That Make Your Writing ClearerReading time, speaking time, and readability — quick checks that catch what a spell-checker never will.Timing a Speech or Script Accurately Before You Deliver ItWhy estimating speech time from a written script requires a different approach than simply reading it silently once.Why Your Speech Ran Long Even Though You Timed the ScriptCommon reasons an actual speech delivery runs longer than a previously timed practice run suggested.Words Per Minute for Reading vs. for Speaking: Why They DifferWhy the standard words-per-minute figure for silent reading is meaningfully faster than the standard figure for spoken delivery.How to Use the Speech Time CalculatorA quick walkthrough of estimating how long a speech or script will take to deliver.Speech Time Calculator: How It Works and How to Use ItA quick guide to the speech time calculator — what it calculates, how the math works, and tips for getting an accurate result.