Writing Time

Average Time to Write 1500 Words Essay

Drafting a 1500-word essay takes about 3 hr including revisions.

At 500 WPH, 1,500 words takes about 3 hr. A focused drafting pace lands near 5 hr, while a fast sprint finishes in about 1 hr 53 min.

Writing time calculator

Start with 1,500 words or enter your own target.

Writing speed (Words Per Hour)500 WPH

Estimated writing time

3 hr

Based on 1,500 words at 500 WPH.

Writing time chart for 1500 words

Compare typical writing speeds to see how pacing affects the total drafting time for 1,500 words.

Focused draft

5 hr

300 WPH pace

Typical pace

3 hr

500 WPH pace

Fast sprint

1 hr 53 min

800 WPH pace

Related essay sizes

Move up or down from 1,500 words to plan a shorter or longer draft.

1000 words

Compare 1,000 words to 1,500.

2000 words

Compare 2,000 words to 1,500.

FAQ

How long does it take to write a 1500-word essay?

At 500 WPH, a 1500-word essay usually takes about 3 hr. Writing at 300 WPH extends the estimate to roughly 5 hr, while a fast sprint near 800 WPH finishes in about 1 hr 53 min.

Do revisions count in this estimate?

Yes. The default pacing assumes drafting plus at least one revision pass. For 1,500 words, major research or citation requirements can push the timeline beyond 3 hr.

How can I reduce writing time?

Outline first, draft in focused blocks, and reserve a final pass for cleanup. For a 1,500-word essay, jumping from 300 to 800 WPH can cut the estimate from 5 hr to 1 hr 53 min.

Is writing time the same as reading time?

No. Writing includes research, outlining, and revisions, so it is usually far longer than reading 1,500 words.