Quick Answer
500 words is about one single-spaced page or two double-spaced pages. It is the length of a short news story, a one-page essay, or a newsletter. The average adult reads English silently at about 238 words per minute for non-fiction, according to a 2019 review of 190 studies, so 500 words takes about 2 minutes. Your own time depends on your speed and on how difficult the text is.
Time to Read 500 Words by Speed
| Reader | Words per minute | Time for 500 words |
|---|---|---|
| Slow reader (silent) | 150 | 3 min 20 sec |
| Average adult, non-fiction (silent) | 238 | 2 min 5 sec |
| Average adult, fiction (silent) | 260 | 1 min 55 sec |
| Fast reader (silent) | 300 | 1 min 40 sec |
| Very fast reader (silent) | 450 | 1 min 5 sec |
| Reading aloud | 183 | 2 min 45 sec |
| Presenting or speaking | 130 | 3 min 50 sec |
Reading 500 Words Out Loud
Reading aloud is slower than reading silently, because every word has to be spoken. At the average aloud rate of 183 words per minute, 500 words takes about 2 min 45 sec. Delivered as a presentation at 130 words per minute, with pauses for the audience, it runs closer to 3 min 50 sec.
That makes 500 words a good fit for a 3 to 4 minute slot, such as a class presentation or a toast. For timing guides by length, see how many words a 3 minute speech needs and the 5 minute version.
What 500 Words Looks Like
- A short essay: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. See how to write a 500 word essay.
- A news story: enough for the main facts and a couple of quotes.
- Four to five paragraphs: at around 100 to 150 words each.
Find Your Own Reading Time
Averages hide a wide range. Take the Reading Speed Test to measure your own words per minute with a comprehension check, then divide 500 by your result. To time a specific document, paste it into the Reading Time Calculator.