Speaking Time Calculator

Enter your word count or paste your speech text to instantly see how long it will take to deliver at slow, average, or fast speaking rates.

Input mode

Enter the total number of words in your speech or script.

Custom speaking rate 150 wpm
60 wpm 150 wpm (avg) 300 wpm
Your Custom Rate
Enter a word count to calculate

Speaking Rate Comparison

Slow
110 wpm — formal, deliberate
Average
150 wpm — most presentations
Fast
190 wpm — energetic, expert

Words Needed for Common Targets

1-minute speech 110 – 190 words
5-minute talk 550 – 950 words
10-minute presentation 1,100 – 1,900 words
18-minute TED talk ~2,700 words
45-minute keynote 5,000 – 8,500 words

Summary

Enter your word count or paste your speech text to instantly see how long it will take to deliver at slow, average, or fast speaking rates.

How it works

  1. Choose whether to enter a word count directly or paste your full speech text.
  2. If pasting text, word count is calculated automatically as you type.
  3. See speaking duration instantly at slow, average, and fast rates.
  4. Drag the custom rate slider to match your personal delivery pace.
  5. Use the results to trim or expand your speech to hit a target time.

Use cases

  • Check whether a conference talk fits within the allotted time slot.
  • Estimate podcast episode length before recording.
  • Prepare a wedding speech or toast to avoid running too long.
  • Time a sales pitch or investor presentation to a strict limit.
  • Plan a classroom lecture or training module by duration.
  • Verify a commencement or keynote address fits the schedule.
  • Draft sermon or homily content to match service length.
  • Rehearse TED-style talks where every minute counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu