The paces behind the numbers
Reading time starts at 238 words a minute. That's the average for adults reading non-fiction silently in English, from a 2019 review of 190 reading studies by Marc Brysbaert. Fiction reads a little faster, around 260.
Speaking time starts at 150 words a minute, a steady, clear pace for a talk, video or podcast. Most people speak somewhere between 120 and 160 in a presentation. Slow down for a big room or a nervous audience, and expect faster for casual chat.
Quick conversions
At the default paces:
- 500 words: about 2 minutes to read, 3 minutes 20 seconds to say.
- 1,000 words: about 4 minutes 12 seconds to read, 6 minutes 40 seconds to say.
- 1,500 words: about 6 minutes 18 seconds to read, 10 minutes to say.
- 2,000 words: about 8 minutes 24 seconds to read, 13 minutes 20 seconds to say.
- A 5-minute speech: about 750 words. A 60-second video: about 150.
Showing reading time on a blog
A “5 min read” label helps people decide to start, and those who do are more likely to finish. Medium works it out at 265 words a minute, and adds 12 seconds for the first image, 11 for the second and one second less for each one after, down to 3 seconds from the tenth image on.
Round to the nearest minute and never show less than 1 minute. For tutorials with code or diagrams, a slower pace like 200 gives a more honest number.
Timing a script or speech
Speaking time doesn't include pauses, laughs, slides or questions. For a timed slot, aim for about 90% of your limit: a 10-minute talk is about 1,350 words at 150 a minute. Then read it out loud with a timer once, and set the speaking speed here to match your real pace for next time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes at the average adult pace of 238 words a minute, and about 6 minutes 40 seconds to read aloud at 150 words a minute.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 750 words at a steady 150 words a minute. If you speak quickly, you might fit 800 to 850; if you pause a lot, plan for 650.
What is the average reading speed?
About 238 words a minute for adults reading non-fiction silently, and about 260 for fiction, according to a 2019 review of 190 studies. Reading on screen or reading technical text is usually slower.
How long is a 2,000-word article to read?
About 8 to 9 minutes at an average pace. Most blogs would label it an 8 or 9 minute read.
How many words is a 1-minute video script?
About 130 to 160 words, depending on how fast you talk. 150 is a good target for a clear, natural pace.