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Free Online Speech Timer

Time your speech live with a countdown — or calculate speaking time from your script. Perfect for presentations, debates, TED talks, and public speaking practice.

⏱ Live countdown 📋 Script calculator 🎤 All speech types ✅ 100% free
Speech length:
Custom: minutes
7:00
Set your time and press Start

Speech Length Guide — Words and Time

Use this reference table to plan your speech. Based on normal speaking pace of 130 WPM — the most common speed for formal speeches and presentations.

Speech LengthSlow (120 WPM)Normal (130 WPM)Fast (150 WPM)
1 minute120 words130 words150 words
3 minutes360 words390 words450 words
5 minutes600 words650 words750 words
7 minutes840 words910 words1,050 words
10 minutes1,200 words1,300 words1,500 words
15 minutes1,800 words1,950 words2,250 words
18 min (TED)2,160 words2,340 words2,700 words
20 minutes2,400 words2,600 words3,000 words
30 minutes3,600 words3,900 words4,500 words
🎤 Speech timing by context TED Talks: 18 min max · Wedding speeches: 3–5 min · Toastmasters: 5–7 min · Business presentations: 10–20 min · Classroom: 5–10 min · Debate: 3–8 min per speaker

How to Use the Speech Timer

Option 1 — Countdown Timer (live practice)

Select your target speech length, press Start, and begin speaking. The timer counts down and turns yellow at 20% remaining and red at 10% — giving you visual warnings to wrap up without cutting your conclusion short.

Option 2 — Script Calculator (plan before you practice)

Paste your written speech script into the Script Calculator tab. Select your speaking pace — slow for formal speeches, normal for most presentations, fast for conversational delivery. Your exact speaking time appears instantly so you can edit your script before rehearsing.

💡 Pro tip: Always write 10–15% fewer words than your target allows. Nerves make most speakers faster, pauses for audience reaction add time, and emphasis on key points slows delivery. A script timed at 4:30 will usually run exactly 5 minutes when delivered live.

Speech Timer by Context

TED and TEDx Talks

TED's 18-minute rule exists because it is long enough to develop a big idea but short enough to maintain full audience attention. At normal speaking pace, an 18-minute TED Talk contains approximately 2,340 words.

Toastmasters Speeches

Toastmasters uses strict timing with green, yellow, and red signal lights. The Ice Breaker speech is 4–6 minutes. Most speeches fall in the 5–7 minute range. Going significantly over or under time affects your evaluation score.

Wedding and Event Speeches

Wedding speeches perform best at 3–5 minutes. A 4-minute wedding speech at normal pace is approximately 520 words — enough for a memorable story, a personal tribute, and a heartfelt close.

Business Presentations

The classic investor pitch is 10–12 minutes. Internal business presentations typically run 15–20 minutes. Always leave 10–15 minutes for Q&A in formal settings — don't let your speech run into Q&A time.

Debate Speeches

Debate formats vary widely — from 3-minute parliamentary speeches to 8-minute Lincoln-Douglas speeches. Running over time in competitive debate typically results in automatic point deductions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many words is a 5 minute speech?
A 5 minute speech is approximately 600–650 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slower pace (120 WPM) around 600 words, and at faster pace (150 WPM) around 750 words.
How many words is a 10 minute speech?
A 10 minute speech is approximately 1,200–1,300 words at normal speaking pace (130 WPM). At slow pace (120 WPM) around 1,200 words, at fast pace (150 WPM) around 1,500 words.
How long should a speech be?
TED Talks: 18 minutes max. Wedding speeches: 3–5 minutes. Toastmasters: 5–7 minutes. Business presentations: 10–20 minutes. Classroom presentations: 5–10 minutes. Debate speeches: 3–8 minutes per speaker.
What is the ideal speaking speed for a speech?
The ideal speaking speed for most speeches is 120–140 WPM. This pace allows for natural pauses and gives the audience time to absorb key points. TED speakers average 163 WPM — slightly faster for energy.
How many words is a 3 minute speech?
A 3 minute speech is approximately 360–390 words at normal speaking pace (120–130 WPM). At faster pace (150 WPM) you could fit around 450 words in 3 minutes.
How many words is a 1 minute speech?
A 1 minute speech is approximately 120–150 words depending on your speaking speed. At normal pace (130 WPM) aim for 130 words — also the target for a 60-second elevator pitch.
How do I time my speech during practice?
Use the Countdown Timer above. Set your target speech length, press Start when you begin speaking, and watch the timer count down. It turns yellow at 20% remaining and red at 10% — giving you visual cues to wrap up on time.

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