Fact · Typing and writing speed
111 to 291words per minute
Measured over elapsed time, the speaking rate of individual conversations ranges from 111 to 291 words per minute.
Checked against its source on October 16, 2026
In the source's own words
“the rate measured in this way ranges from 111 WPM to 291 WPM”
Towards an integrated understanding of speaking rate in conversation, Jiahong Yuan et al., Interspeech 2006, 2006, Section 2, speaking rate measures.
Open the original- What it measures
- The rate is the words spoken by both participants divided by the total elapsed time of the conversation, so it includes pauses.
- What it does not show
- Each conversation is a single pair of speakers on a telephone line. The range shows spread between conversations, not between people.