Words to Time Calculator
Paste a script, speech or voice-over, or type a word count, and see how long it takes to say at your speaking pace and to read. A table shows how many words fit in 15 seconds up to 10 minutes.
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- Words
- 0
- Speaking time
- 0 s
- Reading time
- 0 s
Speaking time at 140 words per minute. Reading time is for reading silently, at about 238 words per minute.
Speaking pace
Words that fit, at 140 wpm
| 15 s | 35 words |
| 30 s | 70 words |
| 1 min | 140 words |
| 1 min 30 s | 210 words |
| 3 min | 420 words |
| 5 min | 700 words |
| 10 min | 1,400 words |
Ready to record? Read it from the teleprompter.
About
Find out how long a script takes to say out loud. Paste a speech, a video script or a voice-over, or type a word count, and this calculator shows the speaking time at your pace and the time to read it silently. Nothing you paste leaves your browser.
Speaking pace varies a lot. Around 120 words per minute suits careful explainers, 140 a talk or a tutorial, 160 everyday conversation and 185 fast short-form videos. Pick a pace or set your own on the slider from 80 to 240 words per minute. Pause between paragraphs adds a short breath at each blank line, as most people do when they read a script.
The table shows how many words fit in 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute and up to 10 minutes at the pace you chose. Rule of thumb at 140 words per minute: 1,000 words is about 7 minutes. When the script is ready, read it from the teleprompter.
How to use the Words to Time Calculator
- 1
Add your text
Paste a script into the box, or switch to Enter a word count and type a number.
- 2
Set your pace
Pick Slow, Steady, Natural or Fast, or drag Words per minute.
- 3
Read the times
Speaking time and Reading time update as you type.
- 4
Plan the length
Use the table to see how many words fit in 30 seconds, a minute or more.
What people use it for
Short videos
Write a script that fits a 30 or 60 second Short, Reel or TikTok.
Speeches and presentations
Check a talk fits its time slot before you rehearse.
Voice-overs and ads
Count how many words a 15 or 30 second spot can hold.
Podcasts and YouTube
Estimate an episode's length from its written outline.
Questions
How long does it take to say 1,000 words?
About 7 minutes at 140 words per minute, and about 6 minutes at 160.
How many words are in a 1-minute speech?
Between 120 and 185, depending on pace. At a steady 140 words per minute, it's 140 words.
What is a normal speaking pace?
Most people speak at 120 to 160 words per minute; presenters reading a script often sit around 140.
Is my text saved or sent anywhere?
No. The counting happens in your browser and your text is not uploaded or saved.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free and needs no account.