Calculate presentation time from your word count and speaking pace, or how many words fit a 10-minute or other time slot, with optional slides and Q&A.

Most presenters speak about 110–150 words per minute. Time yourself reading a page aloud for an exact pace.

Slides, intro, Q&A and buffer

Blank means 8 seconds, time spent changing slides beyond the spoken script.

Related Calculators

Presentation Time Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the presentation time.

PT = (N) / (WPM)

Variables:

  • PT is the presentation time (minutes)
  • N is the number of words in the presentation
  • WPM is the words per minute, the speed at which you plan to speak

To calculate the presentation time, divide the number of words in the presentation by the words per minute you plan to speak.

What is Presentation Time?

Presentation time is the estimated duration it will take to deliver a speech or presentation based on the number of words and the speaking speed (words per minute). This is a useful metric for preparing speeches, lectures, or any public speaking event to ensure that the content fits within the allotted time frame.

How to Calculate Presentation Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Presentation Time.

  1. First, determine the number of words in the presentation (N).
  2. Next, determine your speaking speed in words per minute (WPM).
  3. Use the formula from above = PT = N / WPM.
  4. Finally, calculate the Presentation Time (PT) in minutes.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Number of words in the presentation (N) = 1500 words

Speaking speed (WPM) = 120 words per minute