Writing Time
Average Time to Write 5500 Words Essay
At 500 WPH, a 5500-word essay usually requires 11 hr once edits are included.
At 500 WPH, 5,500 words takes about 11 hr. A focused drafting pace lands near 18 hr 20 min, while a fast sprint finishes in about 6 hr 53 min.
Writing time calculator
Start with 5,500 words or enter your own target.
Estimated writing time
11 hr
Based on 5,500 words at 500 WPH.
Writing time chart for 5500 words
Compare typical writing speeds to see how pacing affects the total drafting time for 5,500 words.
Focused draft
18 hr 20 min
300 WPH pace
Typical pace
11 hr
500 WPH pace
Fast sprint
6 hr 53 min
800 WPH pace
Related essay sizes
Move up or down from 5,500 words to plan a shorter or longer draft.
Compare 5,000 words to 5,500.
Compare 6,000 words to 5,500.
Related reading templates
A reading template for 5500 words is not in the current series yet.
FAQ
How long does it take to write a 5500-word essay?
At 500 WPH, a 5500-word essay usually takes about 11 hr. Writing at 300 WPH extends the estimate to roughly 18 hr 20 min, while a fast sprint near 800 WPH finishes in about 6 hr 53 min.
Do revisions count in this estimate?
Yes. The default pacing assumes drafting plus at least one revision pass. For 5,500 words, major research or citation requirements can push the timeline beyond 11 hr.
How can I reduce writing time?
Outline first, draft in focused blocks, and reserve a final pass for cleanup. For a 5,500-word essay, jumping from 300 to 800 WPH can cut the estimate from 18 hr 20 min to 6 hr 53 min.
Is writing time the same as reading time?
No. Writing includes research, outlining, and revisions, so it is usually far longer than reading 5,500 words.