Speech time calculator
Paste your script or type a word count. See how long it takes to say, instantly.
Quick answers
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at an average pace. Tap a length to set it as your time limit. Numbers follow the pace you picked above.
At 130 words per minute.
How it works
Three numbers, one simple formula
Count the words
A word is anything between spaces or line breaks that has a letter or number. “co-present” and “2026” are one word each; a lone dash or bullet is none.
Divide by your pace
Most presenters speak at 120–160 words per minute. Nerves usually push you faster.
Add the extras
Q&A, demos and deliberate pauses are added once each. Normal breaths are already in your pace.
words ÷ words per minute × 60 = seconds. Example: a 1,300-word script at 130 words per minute takes 10:00 to say. With 2 minutes of Q&A the full slot is 12:00.
Working backwards, a 10-minute slot with 2 minutes of Q&A leaves 8 minutes of speaking, which is a budget of 1,040 words. The word budget takes the extra time out of your slot first and rounds down, so a script that fits the budget fits the slot.
Your script stays on your device
Everything is worked out in your browser. Nothing you paste is uploaded, saved or added to the page address. Clear it when you are done, or just close the page.
Find your own pace
Take the speaking pace test to time yourself reading aloud, then use your result as “My own”.
It's an estimate
Real speaking speed changes with nerves, audience and slides. Rehearse out loud with the rehearsal tracker to see your real timing.
Rehearse with your notes and a timer on your phone
Once the script fits, practise it the way you will give it. Copresent puts your Google Slides speaker notes, a timer and the slide controls on your phone. No second screen needed.
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Guides for the day itself
FAQ
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at an average pace of 130 words per minute. A slower speaker at 110 WPM would say about 550, a faster one at 160 WPM about 800.
How many words is a 10-minute presentation?
About 1,300 words at 130 WPM. If 2 minutes of the slot are for questions, write about 1,040 words.
What is a normal speaking rate?
Many presenters speak at roughly 120 to 160 words per minute. Nerves usually make people faster, and reading from a script often sounds faster than talking naturally. The best number is your own: time yourself reading one page aloud and divide the words by the minutes.
Should I add time for pauses?
Your speaking rate already includes the short breaths between sentences. Only add a pause allowance for deliberate breaks, such as waiting for a poll, a video, or the audience to react.
Is my script saved or sent anywhere?
No. The calculator runs in your browser. Your script is never uploaded, saved, or put in the page address, and it is gone when you clear it or close the page.