Quick Answer
A eulogy usually runs 3 to 7 minutes, which is about 500 to 1,000 words at a 115 words-per-minute speaking pace. Aim for the shorter end if you are nervous; shorter speeches almost always land better.
A eulogy is typically 3 to 7 minutes, or about 500 to 1,000 words. A eulogy usually runs 3 to 7 minutes, delivered slowly and with pauses. Because emotion slows delivery, plan for about 115 words per minute rather than the usual 130.
Eulogy Length: Timing Table
| Duration | Word Count (~115 WPM) |
|---|---|
| 3 minutes | ~345 words |
| 4 minutes | ~460 words |
| 5 minutes | ~575 words |
| 6 minutes | ~690 words |
| 7 minutes | ~805 words |
Paste your draft into our Word Counter to get an exact count, then divide by 115 to estimate your speaking time.
How to Write a Strong Eulogy
- Open with who the person was to you.
- Use two or three specific memories.
- Read slower than feels natural; pauses are fine.
- Close with a line that honors their legacy.
Why Shorter Usually Wins
The most common mistake is going too long. Guests and audiences remember a tight, heartfelt 3-to-7-minute speech far better than a rambling one. When in doubt, cut to your single best story and a clear closing line. For a precise timing estimate, try our Reading Time Calculator with an adjustable speaking pace.
Sources
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), Chapter 2: Paper Elements and Format.
- Modern Language Association. (2021). MLA Handbook (9th ed.), Section 1.1: Formatting the Paper.
- Microsoft Corporation. (2024). Word document formatting.
- Brysbaert, M. (2019). How many words do we read per minute? A review and meta-analysis of reading rate. Journal of Memory and Language, 109.