Free tool
Speaking time calculator
Paste your script or enter a word count, pick a pace, and get the time it takes to say it out loud. No sign-up, nothing to install, and the math updates as you type.
Estimated speaking time
0:00
at 140 words per minute
| Pace | Rate | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow and deliberate | 110 wpm | 0:00 |
| Conversational | 140 wpm | 0:00 |
| Brisk presentation | 160 wpm | 0:00 |
| Fast delivery | 180 wpm | 0:00 |
How the estimate works
Speaking time is word count divided by pace: a 700-word script at 140 words per minute takes about five minutes to say. The calculator above also fills the comparison table, so you can see how the same script stretches or shrinks across delivery styles before you commit to a video length.
Two warnings from experience. First, silent reading speed is not speaking speed: most adults read at 200 words per minute or more, which is why scripts timed that way overrun badly. Second, real delivery includes pauses, emphasis, and slide changes, so budget ten to fifteen percent on top of the pure estimate for anything that will be presented live.
Use it before you record
The most expensive time to discover a script is too long is after recording. Size the script first: a 60-second short is about 140 words, a 3-minute YouTube segment about 420, and a 10-minute lesson about 1,400 at conversational pace. When the length is right, record with a prompt that follows your actual delivery instead of a fixed clock. Voice Sync in the AI Teleprompter app does exactly that, and the speed and eye contact guide has the full pacing tables.
Speaking time FAQ
How many words is a one-minute speech?
Between 120 and 180 words depending on your pace. Conversational delivery runs about 140 words per minute, so a one-minute video script is usually around 140 words.
How do I find my own speaking rate?
Record yourself reading a 150-word passage at presentation pace, time it, then divide words by minutes. Use that number as your custom rate above; it beats any generic default.
Does the calculator count pauses?
It estimates pure speaking time from word count and rate. Real delivery includes pauses, slide changes, and emphasis, so treat the result as a floor and rehearse once for the true time.
What is the difference between speaking time and reading time?
Silent reading runs 200 to 260 words per minute for most adults, much faster than speech. Never size a spoken script with reading-speed math or your video will overrun.
Can I time individual sections of a script?
Yes. Paste one section at a time to budget hooks, segments, and CTAs separately. In the app, the same word-count logic is built into the script editor, and Voice Sync then scrolls at your real pace while recording.
When the length is right, record it
AI Teleprompter follows your voice while you record, so the time you budgeted is the time the video takes.