The length of a papal conclave varies significantly, as there is no set time limit for how long it can last. The cardinal electors continue voting until a candidate receives a two-thirds plus one majority.

• The shortest conclave on record took about 10 hours in 1503 to elect Pope Pius III.
• The longest conclave lasted nearly three years (1,006 days) from 1268 to 1271, resulting in the election of Pope Gregory X.
• In modern times, conclaves typically last between 2 to 5 days. For example, the 2005 conclave lasted 2 days, and the 2013 conclave lasted just over a day.
• If no pope is elected after three days of voting, the cardinals pause for a day of prayer and discussion before resuming voting.
• The last conclave to exceed five days was in 1831, lasting 54 days.

Thus, while conclaves can be very brief or extremely prolonged, recent conclaves generally conclude within a few days