Speech time calculator
Paste your script to see how long it takes to say out loud. Pick your pace, add pauses, and see how many words fit the length you’re aiming for.
Paste a script to see its length.
How many words for…
At the pace you picked above.
| Length | Words |
|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 35 |
| 30 seconds | 70 |
| 1 minute | 140 |
| 90 seconds | 210 |
| 2 minutes | 280 |
| 3 minutes | 420 |
| 5 minutes | 700 |
| 10 minutes | 1400 |
| 20 minutes | 2800 |
FAQ
How many words per minute do people speak?
Around 130 to 160 words per minute in conversation and on camera. Presentations and speeches are slower, often 110 to 130, because of pauses and emphasis. Fast talkers on social video can go above 170.
How many words is a 1-minute speech?
About 140 words at a normal pace: 120 if you speak slowly, 160 if you speak fast. A 30-second video holds about 70 words, a 5-minute talk about 700.
How is the time calculated?
Number of words divided by your pace, plus the pause you set between paragraphs. Silent reading uses 238 words per minute, the average adult reading speed.
Why does my real recording take longer?
You breathe, stress some words and pause for effect. Read the script out loud once with a timer and set the pace to match.
Is my script sent anywhere?
No. The count runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.