Reading Time
How Long Does It Take to Read 500 Words?
2 min typically lasts to read 500 words, depending on pace and focus.
At 238 WPM, 500 words takes about 2 min. Slow pacing lands near 3 min, while fast readers finish in roughly 2 min.
Reading time calculator
Start with 500 words or enter your own count.
Estimated reading time
2 min
Based on 500 words at 238 WPM.
Reading time chart for 500 words
Compare typical reading speeds to see how pace changes the total time for 500 words.
Slow pace
3 min
200 WPM pace
Average pace
2 min
238 WPM pace
Fast pace
2 min
300 WPM pace
Related reading pages
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Average time to write a 500-word essayFAQ
How long does it take to read 500 words?
At a typical 238 WPM pace, 500 words take about 2 min. Slow readers around 200 WPM need roughly 3 min, while fast readers near 300 WPM finish in about 2 min.
Does reading difficulty change the estimate?
Yes. Dense academic text or unfamiliar topics slow comprehension, while conversational copy reads faster. For 500 words, difficult material can push the estimate beyond 2 min.
Is this the same as speaking time?
No. Speaking aloud is usually slower than silent reading because pauses and breath control add time. Speaking 500 words often runs longer than 2 min.
What if I want to read faster?
Skimming headings first, removing distractions, and practicing daily can raise your WPM. For 500 words, moving from 200 to 300 WPM shrinks the estimate from about 3 min to 2 min.