Planning
Script Duration Calculator
Paste your script for an estimated speaking time, or set a target duration to see how many words fit.
| Common limit | Words that fit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 30-second ad | — | — |
| Shorts / Reels | — | — |
| TikTok 3 minutes | — | — |
| 10-minute video | — | — |
DURATION = WORD COUNT ÷ WORDS PER MINUTE
What this is
A script duration calculator turns a word count into an estimated speaking time by dividing it by a pace in words per minute. It matters most when a duration is fixed — a 60-second Short, a 30-second sponsor read, a five-minute talk — because trimming a script before recording costs far less than discovering the overrun in the edit.
The formula
duration = word count ÷ words per minute
- words per minute — your speaking pace; 150 is a reasonable midpoint.
- Reversed: word count = target duration in minutes × pace.
How it works
A comfortable pace runs 130 to 160 words per minute for clear delivery, rising to 170 or more for fast-paced styles. The default of 150 is a safe midpoint, but measuring your own pace once makes every later estimate far more accurate — record a minute of reading, count the words, and use that number from then on.
This counts words, not pauses. A script with dramatic beats, silent visual sections or a demonstration in the middle runs longer than the figure suggests. For a pause-heavy video, add roughly 10 to 15 percent to the result.
How to use it
- Paste your script The word count updates as you type or paste.
- Set your speaking pace Measure it once by recording a minute of reading, then use your own number from then on.
- Check it against your limit Limits for Shorts, Reels and ad slots are marked so an overrun is visible immediately.
Common questions
- How many words is a one-minute video?
- Around 150 words at a normal pace, or 130 if your delivery is slower and more deliberate. For a 60-second Short, aiming at 140 leaves breathing room without sounding rushed.
- Why does my video run longer than the estimate?
- Because the calculation counts words and knows nothing about pauses, laughter, visual cuts or demonstration sections. A script that reads as three minutes on paper can become four once natural pauses are included.
- How do I measure my own speaking pace?
- Record yourself reading any script for exactly one minute at your normal delivery, then count the words you got through. That figure is your pace, and using it here brings estimates much closer to reality.
Notes
- Your script never leaves the browser.