Free tools / Speech length calculator
Speech length calculator
Paste your speech or type a word count to see how long it takes to say out loud at 110, 140 and 170 words per minute.
Your text stays on this page. It is not sent anywhere or saved.
Paste your speech or type a word count to see how long it takes to say.
Want to practise saying it?
Speak gives you a short clock to think and a longer one to talk, then shows what your browser heard you say. Try a sample round free, no account needed.
Practise speaking with a clockHow the time is worked out
The calculator divides your word count by three speaking speeds: 110 words per minute (slow), 140 (average) and 170 (fast).
A word is anything between two spaces, so "well-known" counts as one word and a number counts as one word.
The times are for speaking without stopping. Pauses for slides, questions or applause add time on top, so leave room for them.
Questions
How many words is a 5 minute speech?
About 700 words at an average pace of 140 words per minute. At 110 it is 550 words, and at 170 it is 850.
How long does it take to say 1,000 words?
About 7 min 9 sec at 140 words per minute. At a slow 110 it is 9 min 5 sec, and at a fast 170 it is 5 min 53 sec.
Which speed should I plan for?
Plan for 140 words per minute unless you know you speak slowly or quickly. Most people speed up when they are nervous, so a speech that fits the time at 140 often finishes early on the day.
Is my text saved or sent anywhere?
No. The words are counted on this page, in your browser. Nothing you paste is sent to MugUp or kept after you close the tab.