Speech & Reading Time Calculator Free
Estimate your speech or reading time
How to Use This Free Speech & Reading Time Calculator
Not sure if your speech will fit the time limit—or how long a blog post will take to read? Follow these quick steps to get an instant estimate.
How to Use the Calculator
Wondering how long your speech or article will take? Follow these steps for an instant estimate.
1. Choose Your Mode
Select one of the two options at the top:
Calculate from Text: Paste or type your entire text. The tool will automatically count words and characters.
Calculate from Word Count: If you already know your word count, enter the total directly.
2. Enter Your Information
Paste your text or type your total word count. Word and character counts will appear automatically.
3. Click “Calculate Time”
Press the button to see your estimated speech and reading durations instantly.
4. Review or Copy Your Results
Your results will appear below, divided into Speaking Time and Reading Time. You can also copy the summary using the Copy Results button.
Speaking Time (Talking Out Loud)
This is how long it takes to say the words. People naturally talk slower than they read.
Slow Pace (~120 WPM): This is for a very slow, important speech (like a graduation).
Average Pace (~150 WPM): This is a normal, conversational speed. It’s perfect for most school presentations or YouTube videos.
Fast Pace (~180 WPM): This is very fast, like a podcaster or sports announcer.
Reading Time (Reading Silently)
This is how long it takes for someone to read the words in their head. People read much faster than they talk.
Slow Reader (~200 WPM): Someone who is reading very carefully.
Average Reader (~250 WPM): This is the most common speed for reading a blog or news article.
Fast Reader (~350 WPM): Someone who is quickly “skimming” the text.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Simple and fast — no signup or installation required..
Uses industry-standard WPM averages for accurate results.
Works for any text type — speech, blog, podcast, or academic writing.
Helps you plan presentation length or match time limits easily.
- Instant calculation — no ads, no extra steps
Cons:
Times are approximate, based on averages.
Real speech speed may vary by accent, pauses, and emphasis.
Large texts may take a few seconds to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to speak... (Common Conversions)
Speech time is based on an average speaking pace of 150 WPM (words per minute).
- 500 words: approx. 3 min, 20 sec
- 750 words: approx. 5 min
- 1000 words: approx. 6 min, 40 sec
- 1500 words: approx. 10 min
- 2000 words: approx. 13 min, 20 sec
- 3000 words: approx. 20 min
What is the difference between Speaking Time and Reading Time?
Speaking Time (or "Reading Aloud") is the time it takes to say the words. This is naturally slower (average 120-150 WPM) because you must clearly pronounce each word.
Reading Time (or "Silent Reading") is the time it takes to read the text silently in your head. This is much faster (average 200-250 WPM). Our tool provides calculations for both.
How do you calculate WPM (Words Per Minute)?
WPM (Words Per Minute) is the standard metric for measuring reading or speaking speed. The formula is simple:
Total Time = Total Word Count / WPM
For example, a 1,500-word article read at an average speed of 250 WPM would take 6 minutes (1500 / 250 = 6).
What is a "good" WPM (Words Per Minute) for a speech?
There is no single "best" speed. It depends entirely on your audience and message:
- Slow (120 WPM): Ideal for technical presentations, dramatic speeches, or when talking to a non-native audience. It ensures every word is understood.
- Average (150 WPM): The most common conversational pace. Perfect for YouTube videos, podcasts, business meetings, and general presentations.
- Fast (180 WPM): Used by auctioneers, sports commentators, or podcasters in a hurry. This speed can be difficult for many listeners to follow.
What is the average silent reading speed?
The average silent reading speed for an adult is between 230-250 WPM. Our tool uses 200 WPM (a slower, more careful reader), 250 WPM (a typical average reader), and 350 WPM (a fast "skimming" reader) to give you a comprehensive range.
How do I find the word count of my text?
You don't need to! This tool does it for you. Simply select the "Calculate from Text" mode and paste your entire text into the box. The "Word Count" will appear live, right below the text box.
How can I slow down my speaking speed?
To speak slower, focus on deliberately pronouncing every syllable. More importantly, add strategic pauses. Take a short (1-second) breath after every comma, and a longer (2-second) pause after every period. This not only slows your pace but also makes your speech sound more confident and easier for the audience to understand.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
For an average silent reader (at 250 WPM), it takes exactly 4 minutes (1,000 words / 250 WPM).
For an average speaker (at 150 WPM), it takes about 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
You can test this yourself! Switch to the Calculate from Word Count mode and type in `1000`.
Does punctuation (commas, periods) affect the time?
The calculation itself is based purely on the Word Count. However, punctuation is essential for a good speech! Good speakers pause at commas and periods, which naturally slows down their true WPM.
Why are there two modes (Text vs. Word Count)?
The two modes serve different purposes:
- Calculate from Text: This is for convenience when you have already written your text and want to check the time.
- Calculate from Word Count: This is for planning (e.g., "I need to give a 5-minute speech, how many words should I write?").