Free tools · Updated 14 Nov 2026

Speaking time calculator: how long is my script?

Short answer

Enter your word count and speaking speed to see how long a script takes to say, or how many words fit a target video length. At about 150 words a minute, 25 words take 10 seconds. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored.

Words in your script

Speaking speed (words per minute)

Target length (seconds)

10.0 seconds to say 25 words at 150 words a minute.

A 10-second video fits about 25 words at that pace, before pauses.

How does the calculator work?

It divides your word count by your speaking speed in words per minute, then converts minutes to seconds. The second figure goes the other way: target seconds divided by 60, multiplied by your speed, gives the words that fit.

The formula is seconds = words ÷ words per minute × 60. A 25-word script at 150 words a minute is 25 ÷ 150 × 60 = 10 seconds.

What speaking speed should you use?

Everyday conversation is often put at about 120 to 160 words a minute, and 150 is a reasonable default. Record yourself reading a paragraph you can count, time it, and divide to find your own pace. Your own number beats any average.

Faster delivery suits punchy hooks but hurts clarity on technical points.
Teaching and explaining usually need a slower pace than entertainment.
Leave a beat of silence at the start and end; do not fill the whole length with words.

Worked examples

Target length	Words at 150 wpm	Good for
10 seconds	about 25	One claim and one payoff, like a Bold reel
30 seconds	about 75	A tip with one example
60 seconds	about 150	A short explanation with a story

Common mistakes

Counting words in a script with a lot of slides or numbers, which you may say more slowly.
Forgetting pauses. Subtract about 10 percent for breathing room.
Writing for the eye, not the ear. Read your script aloud before you film.
Trusting the result without a test read. Time one take.

Frequently asked questions

How many words are in a 10 second video?

About 25 words at 150 words a minute, including no pauses. Aim for 20 to 25 so you have room to breathe.

How many words fit in a 60 second video?

Around 150 at 150 words a minute. Most scripts feel better a little shorter, so try 120 to 140.

Is 150 words per minute fast?

It is a comfortable conversational pace for many people. Slow for teaching, faster for energetic content. Time your own reading to know.

Does this work for any language?

The maths does. Speaking speed in words per minute differs by language, so measure your own.

Is my script saved anywhere?

No. The calculator runs in your browser and does not send or store your text or numbers.

Skills mentioned on this page

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