How Long Does It Take To Write 1,000 Words? (2024)

Co-authored byHunter RisingReviewed byGerald Posner

Last Updated: April 3, 2023Fact Checked

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   Typing 1,000 words without research: <25 minutes If you type with an average speed of 40 words per minute (wpm) and free-writing whatever comes to your head, then you’ll be able to get 1,000 words on the page within a half hour.^[1]

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   Typing 1,000 words with minimal research: 1–2 hours If you need to write an essay or article about a topic you’re familiar with, then you probably won’t have as much research to do. While you may need to spend a little time looking for sources, the actual writing will go by quickly.^[2]

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   Typing 1,000 words with research, editing, and formatting: 3–4 hours For a really thorough paper or blog post, chances are you’ll have to spend a few extra hours doing research, finding citations, and looking for graphics that can add to your writing time.^[3]

   • If you plan on handwriting 1,000 words, it may take an additional hour or so.

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1. 1

   Research It’s okay if you’re unfamiliar with a topic for an academic essay or article, but you’ll probably need extra time to research the topic and become an expert. Since you want the most reliable and accurate information, set aside an extra hour or two to find the perfect sources to cite in your writing.^[4]

   • Researching is an ongoing process, so you may need to continue doing it even after you start writing. It’s tough to say how much time researching takes since it depends on how well you know the topic and how detailed of information you need.
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   Editing & rewriting While you should always give yourself time to proofread when you finish, editing and rewriting sentences while you’re creating your first draft eats up a lot of time. Since you’re changing sentences as you’re writing them, your total word count will keep fluctuating and you may not make as much progress.^[5]

   • Editing and proofreading will probably take at least 30–60 minutes, but it could take longer if you need to reword sections of your writing.
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   Slow typing speed Even though the average typing speed is around 40 wpm, it’s tough to maintain it consistently while you're writing and researching. Your typing speed slows down to around 5 wpm when you’re finding sources or if you hunt and peck keys individually, so it may increase your total writing time.^[6]

   • Take a typing speed test to determine your average words per minute.
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   Writer’s block Are you stuck trying to figure out the perfect words to describe your scene when you’re doing creative writing? Maybe you’re not sure how to articulate your thoughts on your research or what direction to go with your paper. When you’re waiting for that inspiration to strike, it may take a little thinking time before you add more to your word count.^[7]

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   Outside distractions It can be really tempting to throw on your favorite TV show for background noise or check your phone, but they’re pulling you away from your writing. Whenever you’re in a loud or busy spot, it may make you write more slowly as you try to maintain your focus.^[8]

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   Prepare an outline before you start. Think of your outline as a roadmap for your entire piece of writing. For outlining an essay, define the main point you’re trying to convey and organize the points you’re making so they logically flow into each other. When you’re outlining a story, organize the events in the plot so they reach a climax near the end.^[9]

   • If you already have all the points you want to hit on outlined, it saves you time since it’s a lot easier to fill in the information without wondering what’s coming next.
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   Set incremental writing goals. Rather than cramming all of your writing into one sitting, split your writing into multiple chunks of time. Set a timeline for the day split into multiple writing sessions where you can just focus on your work. Once you reach your word count goal, it’s okay to stop but don’t be afraid to keep writing if inspiration strikes.^[10]

   • Example: Make a goal to finish 250 words in 30 minutes before taking a short break.
   • Reward yourself when you reach your writing goal by taking a walk, having a small treat, or playing a video game so you stay motivated.
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   Block distractions while you’re writing. When it’s time to write, set your phone to Do Not Disturb and let others know that you’re focusing on your writing so they don’t interrupt you. Turn off your other electronics and clear your workspace as well to get rid of other distractions. Try to write uninterrupted for about 15–20 minutes at a time so you make good progress.^[11]

   • Step away from your writing every 30 minutes to stretch your legs, get some water, and catch up on notifications before you dive back in.
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   Practice good typing posture. Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor. Put your fingers in the correct spots on the middle row of keys so it’s easier to touch-type. Avoid looking at your hands while you’re typing to help improve your typing speed and accuracy.^[12]

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   Wait until you’re finished to edit your work. Reworking the same sentence right after writing it can take up a lot of extra time, so just keep moving on. It’s okay if your writing isn’t perfect in the first draft as long as you get across the main idea you’re trying to convey. Once you complete the entire draft, take a short break before coming back to proofread and make changes.^[13]

   • If you’re stuck in a certain spot of your writing, jump to a different section and keep going. You’re always able to come back and fill in areas when you have a better idea of what you want to write.^[14]

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