How long should a 1,000-word essay be?

Target range: 900–1,100 words.

Quick answer

A 1,000-word essay typically runs 900–1,100 words.

Start writing with this target

How long will that take?

Reading

4 min

at 238 WPM · midpoint

Speaking

7 min

at 140 WPM · midpoint

Drafting

~2 hr

at ~500 words/hour · midpoint

Structure template

5-paragraph essay at 1,000 words

Introduction150 words
Body paragraph 1250 words
Body paragraph 2250 words
Body paragraph 3200 words
Conclusion150 words

Where this range comes from

Purdue OWL essay assignment guidelines; standard US college assignment format · Last verified 2026-04-20

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