Paste or import your script above, then adjust Speaking pace to estimate its duration in minutes and seconds. You can also set a word goal. Your script stays in your browser.
How to Convert Words to Minutes
Divide the number of words by your speaking pace in words per minute (WPM). For example, 650 words ÷ 130 WPM = 5 minutes. At 100 WPM, the same script takes 6 minutes and 30 seconds. These estimates cover spoken words; pauses and audience interaction add time.
Words to Minutes at Different Speaking Speeds
| Words | 100 WPM | 130 WPM | 160 WPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130 | 1m 18s | 1m 0s | 0m 49s |
| 650 | 6m 30s | 5m 0s | 4m 4s |
| 1,300 | 13m 0s | 10m 0s | 8m 8s |
Times round up to the next whole second, matching the calculator.
Choose a Pace That Matches Your Delivery
The calculator starts at 130 WPM and lets you choose 80–220 WPM. To find your own pace, time yourself reading a sample aloud and divide its word count by the elapsed minutes. Use a slower setting for a script with difficult terms or deliberate emphasis.
How Many Words Fit a 5-Minute Speech?
At 130 WPM, five minutes holds 650 words before pauses. At 100 WPM it holds 500 words, and at 160 WPM it holds 800. Leave room for transitions, slides, and audience reactions, then rehearse with a timer.
Can I calculate the time for a PDF or Word document?
Yes. Use Import File to extract text from a PDF or DOCX, then review it before timing. Headers and footers can affect the count, and scanned PDFs may not contain extractable text.
Does the estimate include pauses?
No. A word count cannot predict silence, applause, or the time you spend explaining a slide. Treat the result as a starting point for rehearsal.
Check sentence length before rehearsing or check your YouTube title and description.