Speaking Time Calculator

Speaking time by word count

Word count	Speaking time (130 wpm)
500 words	~3 min 50 sec
1,000 words	~7 min 40 sec
1,300 words	~10 min
1,950 words	~15 min
3,900 words	~30 min

Tip: Always add 10–15% to your calculated speaking time for pauses, audience reactions, and breathing. A "10-minute speech" should be written to ~8 minutes of solid delivery.

TED Talk speaking rate

TED talks are capped at 18 minutes. The 18-minute limit was specifically chosen by TED organisers as long enough to develop an idea, short enough to maintain focus.

Words for presentations, podcasts, videos and voiceovers

Use the table to write to a time slot. A presentation with slides usually runs closer to 130 wpm because of pauses; podcasts and conversational videos often run nearer 150 wpm; scripted voiceovers and text-to-speech vary with the voice and speed setting, so time a short sample first.

Length	110 wpm	130 wpm	150 wpm
1 min	110	130	150
2 min	220	260	300
3 min	330	390	450
5 min	550	650	750
10 min	1,100	1,300	1,500
15 min	1,650	1,950	2,250
20 min	2,200	2,600	3,000
30 min	3,300	3,900	4,500
45 min	4,950	5,850	6,750
60 min	6,600	7,800	9,000

Frequently asked questions

How many words is a 5-minute speech?

At 130 words per minute (standard presentation pace), a 5-minute speech is approximately 650 words. If you speak faster — say 160 wpm — a 5-minute slot needs around 800 words.

How many words is a 10-minute speech?

A 10-minute speech at 130 wpm is approximately 1,300 words. At a faster pace of 150 wpm, it would be around 1,500 words. Always rehearse with a timer — actual delivery speed varies significantly.

Why do I speak faster than 130 words per minute?

130 wpm is the recommended pace for clear, formal presentations. Conversational speech typically runs 120–150 wpm. Many people naturally speak at 150–180 wpm and need to deliberately slow down for presentations, especially when using a microphone in a large space.