How Many Pages Is 1500 Words? A Fast Formula + Real Examples

You have a 1,500-word draft and someone asked for a page count. The honest answer is: it depends on formatting, but you can estimate it in seconds.

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Quick answer: how many pages is 1500 words?

With standard academic formatting (letter size, 1-inch margins, 12-point font), 1,500 words is usually about 5 to 6 pages double-spaced or about 3 pages single-spaced. Requirements can change, so always check your instructor, publisher, or journal template for the latest.

Double-spaced: plan on roughly 250 to 300 words per page (so 1,500 words is about 5 to 6 pages).
Single-spaced: plan on roughly 500 to 600 words per page (so 1,500 words is about 2.5 to 3 pages).

Fast formula (works in any format)

Lock your settings first: font, size, margins, and line spacing.
Estimate your words per page: paste a few paragraphs, scroll to the first full page, and note the word count for that page.
Use: pages = total words / words per page.
Adjust for headings, bullet lists, block quotes, tables, images, and references (they change the average).

If you are writing for school or a journal, start with Academic writing basics and keep an eye on clarity, because paragraph spacing and headings can add pages without adding many words.

Common formats: 1,500 words in pages

Format	Typical settings	Approx words per page	1,500 words is about
Academic double-spaced	12 pt font, 1-inch margins, double spacing	250 to 300	5 to 6 pages
Academic single-spaced	12 pt font, 1-inch margins, single spacing	500 to 600	2.5 to 3 pages
Business report	11 pt font, 1-inch margins, 1.15 line spacing	350 to 450	3.5 to 4.5 pages
Dense layout	10-11 pt font, narrower margins, single spacing	650 to 800	about 2 pages

Tip: If the assignment mentions pages, clarify what counts as a page (title page, references, and figures are often excluded).

Polish your paper before you submit

Grammar, clarity, and academic writing tips when you are working to a page or word limit.

Try Paperpal

Why your page count can be higher or lower

Word-to-page estimates assume a fairly plain layout. These common formatting choices can move your page count by 10 to 30%:

Font and size: 12 pt Times New Roman usually fits more words than 12 pt Arial, and larger sizes add pages quickly.
Line spacing: single, 1.15, 1.5, and double spacing create very different page densities.
Margins: narrower margins fit more text; wider margins reduce words per page.
Paragraph spacing: extra space before or after paragraphs can inflate pages without changing word count.
Structure: lots of headings, bullet lists, block quotes, tables, and images change how many words fit on each page.

What most instructors mean by a page

Many classes use a simple rule of thumb for double-spaced essays: around 250 words per page in a 12 pt font with standard margins. That puts 1,500 words at roughly 6 pages in a typical academic setup. Some guidelines cite a slightly wider range (for example 250 to 300 words per page), which is why you will often see 5 to 6 pages as the safe estimate.

Mistakes to avoid when converting words to pages

Counting pages that are not counted: title pages, reference pages, appendices, and figures may be excluded from the required page count.
Changing the formatting to hit a number: instructors often specify margins, spacing, and font. Changing them can cost points.
Forgetting Word and Google Docs defaults: some templates add space after paragraphs by default. Turn that off if your guideline says double-spaced throughout.
Ignoring citations: in-text citations add words, but long reference lists add pages. Know what your brief is measuring.

FAQ

How many pages is 1500 words double-spaced in 12 pt font?

Most estimates land at about 5 to 6 pages. If your course assumes about 250 words per double-spaced page, it will be very close to 6 pages; if your pages run closer to 300 words, it can be closer to 5.

How many pages is 1500 words single-spaced?

Roughly 2.5 to 3 pages in a standard 12 pt font and 1-inch margins. If you have a denser layout (smaller font or narrower margins), it can be closer to 2 pages.

How many pages is a 1500 word essay in Google Docs?

It is essentially the same as Word as long as you match the same settings (font, size, margins, and line spacing). The biggest gotcha is paragraph spacing: set spacing after paragraphs to 0 if your instructions say double-spaced throughout.

Is 1500 words a 5-page paper?

It can be, but it depends on your words-per-page. Five pages implies about 300 words per page on average. Many double-spaced academic setups are closer to 250 words per page, which is why 6 pages is a common expectation.

How long does it take to read 1500 words?

At typical adult silent reading speeds (roughly 175 to 300 words per minute for non-fiction), 1,500 words takes about 5 to 9 minutes. If you read closer to the average of about 238 words per minute, it is about 6 to 7 minutes.

How do I estimate pages accurately for my exact formatting?

Paste your draft into a blank document with the required formatting, then divide your total word count by the words on a representative full page (page 2 is often better than page 1 if you have a title). That gives you a personalized words-per-page value.

A practical next step for academic submissions

If page limits matter because you are submitting an essay, thesis section, or research paper, polish your academic draft with Paperpal to tighten clarity and reduce avoidable errors before you turn it in.

Grammar and style checks for an academic tone
Clarity suggestions to make sentences easier to follow
Formatting and writing guidance that can help you align with common paper requirements
Citation-aware feedback so references do not get messy at the last minute

Reminder: no tool can guarantee grades or acceptance. Always follow your instructor or journal guidelines and use human judgment.

Conclusion

For most people, 1,500 words is about 3 pages single-spaced or 5 to 6 pages double-spaced. If you need precision, measure words on one full page using your required formatting, then apply the simple pages = words / words-per-page formula.