Writing
Words to Minutes Converter
Paste your speech or enter its word count to see how long it runs at a real speaking pace — and how many words you need to fill a given time slot.
700 words at 140 wpm
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Words needed for a time slot
| Speech length | Slow (120) | Presentation (140) | Conversational (160) |
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Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650–750 words at a normal presentation pace of 130–150 words per minute. Nervous speakers often speed up — writing 650 words is the safer target.
How many words is a 3-minute speech?
About 390–450 words. That is roughly one and a half double-spaced pages.
How fast should I speak in a presentation?
Around 130–150 words per minute reads as confident and clear. Conversation runs faster (~160 wpm) and audiobooks are narrated near 155 wpm; going much above 160 in a talk makes you harder to follow.
How long is a 1,000 word speech?
About 7 minutes at 140 wpm, or 6 minutes 40 seconds at 150 wpm. Add time for pauses, slides and audience reaction — plan roughly 10% extra.
Do pauses count in speech timing?
Yes — and beginners underestimate them. Deliberate pauses, slide changes and laughter can add 10–20% to your raw word-count time, so rehearse with a timer at least once.
Paces reflect common public-speaking guidance: rehearsed presentations typically run 130–150 words per minute, everyday conversation closer to 160, and formal or emotional passages slower. Rehearse with a timer — pauses and slides add roughly 10% on top.