How Many Minutes Is 1,000 Words?
1,000 words takes about 7 min 42 sec to say out loud at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute, and about 4 min 12 sec to read silently at 238 words per minute.
| Pace | Words per minute | Time for 1,000 words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow, deliberate speech | 110 | 9 min 5 sec |
| Average presentation pace | 130 | 7 min 42 sec |
| Fast, energetic speech | 150 | 6 min 40 sec |
| Reading aloud from a page | 183 | 5 min 28 sec |
| Silent reading | 238 | 4 min 12 sec |
What fits in a 1,000-word script?
A solid short talk: a best-man speech at the long end, a pitch with a demo, or a narrated video essay segment.
On paper, 1,000 words fills about 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced — see how many pages is 1,000 words.
Timing your own script?
Paste it into the Words to Minutes converter to set your own pace, or read how these estimates are calculated.
Other word counts
FAQ
How long does it take to speak 1,000 words?
About 7 min 42 sec at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute. A slower, deliberate delivery at 110 words per minute takes 9 min 5 sec, and a fast delivery at 150 words per minute takes 6 min 40 sec.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 min 12 sec when reading silently at 238 words per minute, the average for adults reading English non-fiction. Reading the same text aloud at 183 words per minute takes 5 min 28 sec.
How many pages is a 1,000-word speech?
1,000 words is about 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.
Why might my speech run longer or shorter?
Speaking pace changes with nerves, audience size, pauses, slides and audience reactions. Rehearse out loud with a timer and treat the estimate as a starting point rather than a guarantee.