How Many Minutes Is 500 Words?
500 words takes about 3 min 51 sec to say out loud at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute, and about 2 min 6 sec to read silently at 238 words per minute.
| Pace | Words per minute | Time for 500 words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow, deliberate speech | 110 | 4 min 33 sec |
| Average presentation pace | 130 | 3 min 51 sec |
| Fast, energetic speech | 150 | 3 min 20 sec |
| Reading aloud from a page | 183 | 2 min 44 sec |
| Silent reading | 238 | 2 min 6 sec |
What fits in a 500-word script?
Enough for a wedding toast, a short class presentation, a product demo introduction, or a short explainer video.
On paper, 500 words fills about 1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced — see how many pages is 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 500 words?
About 3 min 51 sec at an average presentation pace of 130 words per minute. A slower, deliberate delivery at 110 words per minute takes 4 min 33 sec, and a fast delivery at 150 words per minute takes 3 min 20 sec.
How long does it take to read 500 words?
About 2 min 6 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 2 min 44 sec.
How many pages is a 500-word speech?
500 words is about 1 page single-spaced or 2 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.