Words Per Minute Calculator
Read the passage below aloud - or paste your own - and let the timer clock your speaking rate.
Manual WPM calculator
Pace is a skill you can train.
Orai charts your pace across every practice session and nudges you when you're racing.
What's a good words-per-minute rate?
For most presentations, 120-150 words per minute is the sweet spot - fast enough to stay engaging, slow enough to stay clear. Audiobook narrators average around 150 wpm; auctioneers hit 250+. If you're below 110 wpm you may sound hesitant; above 170 and listeners start to lose detail. Podcasters and conversational speakers typically land between 140 and 160.
Your ideal rate depends on your material. Technical or emotional content deserves a slower pace with more pauses; light, familiar content can move faster. Record yourself with the tool above, then compare against these ranges.