How long does it take to read 5,000 words?
21 min 1 sec at the average adult reading speed of 238 words per minute.
Reading aloud, it takes about 35 min 43 sec. For long texts, breaks add up: most people pause every 20–30 minutes.
| Reader | Speed | Time for 5,000 words |
|---|---|---|
| Early reader | 100 wpm | 50 min |
| Reading aloud | 140 wpm | 35 min 43 sec |
| Careful / study | 175 wpm | 28 min 34 sec |
| Average adult | 238 wpm | 21 min 1 sec |
| Fiction, average | 260 wpm | 19 min 14 sec |
| Fast reader | 300 wpm | 16 min 40 sec |
| Skimming | 450 wpm | 11 min 7 sec |
5,000 words in pages
At about 500 words per single-spaced page (12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins) that is 10 pages, or 20 pages double-spaced. Convert other lengths with the words to pages tool.
For a speech
Delivered aloud at a conversational 140 wpm, 5,000 words runs about 35 min 43 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 5,000 words?
About 21 min 1 sec at the average adult silent reading speed of 238 words per minute, or 35 min 43 sec reading aloud at 140 wpm.
How many pages is 5,000 words?
About 10 single-spaced pages or 20 double-spaced pages in a 12-point font with 1-inch margins.
How long is a 5,000-word speech?
About 35 min 43 sec at a conversational speaking pace of 140 wpm, or 45 min 27 sec if you speak slowly.