Writing Time
Average Time to Write 500 Words Essay
1 hr typically lasts to draft a 500-word essay, including revision passes.
At 500 WPH, 500 words takes about 1 hr. A focused drafting pace lands near 1 hr 40 min, while a fast sprint finishes in about 38 min.
Writing time calculator
Start with 500 words or enter your own target.
Estimated writing time
1 hr
Based on 500 words at 500 WPH.
Writing time chart for 500 words
Compare typical writing speeds to see how pacing affects the total drafting time for 500 words.
Focused draft
1 hr 40 min
300 WPH pace
Typical pace
1 hr
500 WPH pace
Fast sprint
38 min
800 WPH pace
Related essay sizes
Move up or down from 500 words to plan a shorter or longer draft.
Compare 1,500 words to 500.
Compare 1,000 words to 500.
Related reading templates
How long does it take to read 500 words?FAQ
How long does it take to write a 500-word essay?
At 500 WPH, a 500-word essay usually takes about 1 hr. Writing at 300 WPH extends the estimate to roughly 1 hr 40 min, while a fast sprint near 800 WPH finishes in about 38 min.
Do revisions count in this estimate?
Yes. The default pacing assumes drafting plus at least one revision pass. For 500 words, major research or citation requirements can push the timeline beyond 1 hr.
How can I reduce writing time?
Outline first, draft in focused blocks, and reserve a final pass for cleanup. For a 500-word essay, jumping from 300 to 800 WPH can cut the estimate from 1 hr 40 min to 38 min.
Is writing time the same as reading time?
No. Writing includes research, outlining, and revisions, so it is usually far longer than reading 500 words.