Speaking speed test
How fast do you speak?
Speak naturally for 20–30 seconds to estimate your speaking pace. Choose English words per minute or Chinese characters per minute, then compare your practice runs.
Press Start & speak, allow the microphone, and talk naturally for 20–30 seconds in a quiet room. Press stop to see your speaking speed.
Estimates English words or Chinese characters per minute from your voice. Audio stays on your device. For voice typing in your Mac apps, use Openbroca.
What's a good speaking pace?
The right pace depends on the material and your audience. Try these adjustments when rehearsing:
- Presentations & speeches: slow down for key points and numbers, and leave space for pauses.
- Podcasts & conversation: keep a natural rhythm and leave room for the other person to respond.
- Audiobooks & narration: check that the listener can follow the meaning without seeing the text.
Record the same passage at two different paces. Listen back and choose the version that is easier to follow.
How it works
The tool estimates syllables from changes in loudness, then converts them using its English or Chinese mode. It does not recognize the words or upload audio. The conversion is not calibrated for other languages. Speak for 20–30 seconds in a quiet room and compare repeated attempts under the same conditions.
How to count actual words
For an actual word count, read a script of known length and divide its word count by the elapsed minutes. This tool gives a sound-based estimate; noise and connected speech can change the result. To draft text by voice in your Mac apps, use Openbroca.
Frequently asked questions
How is words per minute calculated?
It measures loudness peaks in your audio to count syllables — no transcription — then converts to words (English) or characters (Chinese) and divides by the minutes you spoke. Speak for 20–30+ seconds for a stable reading.
What is a normal speaking speed?
There is no single ideal pace. Complex material often needs more pauses. Compare recordings of the same passage and choose a pace that makes the important points easy to follow.
Is it free and private?
It is free and requires no account. Audio is analyzed in your browser and is not uploaded to a server.
Which languages and browsers can I use?
The tool offers English and Chinese estimation modes. Its conversion is not calibrated for other languages. Use a recent browser with microphone recording and audio analysis support, and allow microphone access.
Why is the count slightly off?
It estimates syllables from loudness, so background noise, very soft speech, or heavily run-together words can shift the count a little. A quiet room and a normal speaking volume give the most accurate reading.
More free tools
- Microphone test
- Mic test — record & playback
- Online voice recorder
- Speech to text
- Text to speech
- Speech time calculator
- Background noise test
- Speaker & headphone test
See all free voice & audio tools, or learn what Openbrocadoes on your Mac.
Use your voice to write on your Mac
Press ⌥ Space, speak, and keep writing in your Mac app. Openbroca turns your words into clear text. Start for free.
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