How Many Minutes Is 2,500 Words?
2,500 words takes about 19 min 14 sec to say out loud at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute, and about 10 min 30 sec to read silently at 238 words per minute.
| Pace | Words per minute | Time for 2,500 words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow, deliberate speech | 110 | 22 min 44 sec |
| Average presentation pace | 130 | 19 min 14 sec |
| Fast, energetic speech | 150 | 16 min 40 sec |
| Reading aloud from a page | 183 | 13 min 40 sec |
| Silent reading | 238 | 10 min 30 sec |
What fits in a 2,500-word script?
Slightly longer than the 18 minutes TED allows for a talk at an average pace, so trim a little or speak a touch faster to fit that format.
On paper, 2,500 words fills about 5 pages single-spaced or 10 pages double-spaced — see how many pages is 2,500 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 2,500 words?
About 19 min 14 sec at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute. A slower, deliberate delivery at 110 words per minute takes 22 min 44 sec, and a fast delivery at 150 words per minute takes 16 min 40 sec.
How long does it take to read 2,500 words?
About 10 min 30 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 13 min 40 sec.
How many pages is a 2,500-word speech?
2,500 words is about 5 pages single-spaced or 10 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.