How long does it take to read 500 words?
2 min 6 sec at the average adult reading speed of 238 words per minute.
Reading aloud, it takes about 3 min 34 sec. Times below cover every common reading speed.
| Reader | Speed | Time for 500 words |
|---|---|---|
| Early reader | 100 wpm | 5 min |
| Reading aloud | 140 wpm | 3 min 34 sec |
| Careful / study | 175 wpm | 2 min 51 sec |
| Average adult | 238 wpm | 2 min 6 sec |
| Fiction, average | 260 wpm | 1 min 55 sec |
| Fast reader | 300 wpm | 1 min 40 sec |
| Skimming | 450 wpm | 1 min 7 sec |
500 words in pages
At about 500 words per single-spaced page (12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins) that is 1.0 pages, or 2.0 pages double-spaced. Convert other lengths with the words to pages tool.
For a speech
Delivered aloud at a conversational 140 wpm, 500 words runs about 3 min 34 sec. The speech time calculator lets you set your own pace.
Check a different length
Want a personal estimate? Take the 60-second reading speed test and your speed appears here as an option.
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Questions people ask
How long does it take to read 500 words?
About 2 min 6 sec at the average adult silent reading speed of 238 words per minute, or 3 min 34 sec reading aloud at 140 wpm.
How many pages is 500 words?
About 1.0 single-spaced pages or 2.0 double-spaced pages in a 12-point font with 1-inch margins.
How long is a 500-word speech?
About 3 min 34 sec at a conversational speaking pace of 140 wpm, or 4 min 33 sec if you speak slowly.