I love doing 500 piece jigsaw puzzles because I can enjoy completing twice as many designs than if I did the more popular 1000 piece puzzle. But do you have any idea how long does a 500 piece puzzle take?
500 puzzle pieces are perfect for beginners, or if you want a puzzle piece that won’t take too long to put together. Let’s see how long they usually take along with 500 pieces speed facts.
How long does it take the average skill level person to put a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle together? Though there’s no precise answer, I have a rough estimate and more specific calculations for you.
How Long Does a 500 Piece Puzzle Take?
A 500 piece jigsaw typically takes me 2-3afternoons to complete, but some people can finish them in as little as 2 hours. I’m decidedly average when it comes to speed, and working on a right puzzle over multiple sessions is more my style since I don’t care about competing with anyone else.
Factors Affect the Time it Takes to Do a 500 Piece Jigsaw
Design
The time it takes to complete a jigsaw puzzle varies depending on the design. A puzzle with multiple colors and patterns obviously won’t take as long as one that is single-colored or has a difficult, repeating pattern.
Depending on the design, 500 piece jigsaw puzzles can either be very challenging or relatively easy to complete. Some designs may take upwards of 6 hours to finish, while others can be completed in as little time as 2 hours.
Some jigsaw piece puzzles, like World’s Smallest, have pieces so small that you need tweezers to place them. These types of puzzles usually take longer to assemble than average.
Mood and Emotional
Depending on your mood, you may find that it affects how long the jigsaw takes you to complete. If you’re into the challenge and enjoying it, then chances are good that you’ll finish more quickly. On the other hand, if something has dampened your spirits or soured your mood in general, it’s likely to take longer than usual.
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it may take much longer to finish your 500-piece jigsaw puzzle design.
Interruptions are annoying and can make it harder to focus. Phone calls, people walking in and out, answering the door and other general interruptions can cause your jigsaw to take longer than it might normally. Each time you get interrupted, it can take a while to get back into the jigsaw construction zone.
Impairments and Health
Adults with physical or mental impairment may find it difficult to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle within the average time limit.
Fastest 500 Piece Puzzle Record
The fastest time anyone has ever put together a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle is 54:10 minutes, which was set by Joellen Beifuss from the USA at the 1984 US National Jigsaw Puzzle Championships in Ohio. That’s just over 6 seconds per piece- incredibly fast!
Does it Matter How Long I Take at a 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle?
Unlike many other activities, jigsaw puzzles aren’t about competition or beating anyone. Instead, it’s meant to be a calming and fun way to past the time.
By trying to complete jigsaws as quickly as possible, you miss out on the appreciation of the artwork, the relaxation of taking your time finding pieces, and sense of accomplishment when you put different sections together. Not to mention, it will also cost more money in buying new puzzles.
Why stress over how long it will take you to finish the puzzle- there’s no need! It isn’t a competition, and even if it was, that shouldn’t be your focus. Instead, enjoy putting the jigsaw together piece by piece. Appreciate the design on the box and once you’re done feel accomplished!