Free tool
Script duration calculator
Paste a script to see how long it runs read aloud, or find out how many words a video of a given length needs.
Headings (# lines) and [stage directions] are not counted.
Read aloud, it runs about
0 s
- Words
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
Writing for a length?
minutes needs about
1,500 words
at 150 words per minute.
Questions
Words, minutes and pace
How many words is a 10-minute video?
About 1,500 words at 150 words per minute, a steady documentary pace. A lively explainer at 170 words per minute needs about 1,700.
What speaking rate should I use?
Most narration sits between 130 and 190 words per minute. Calm documentaries are slower; shorts are faster. Time yourself reading one paragraph to find your own number.
What does the calculator leave out?
Pauses, music-only moments and on-screen text without narration. Add them on top of the estimate.