Video Script Length Calculator
Estimate how long your finished video will run from the script, at your own pace and at slow, standard and conversational speeds.
Script
Estimated runtime
Runtime at your pace
How to estimate video length from a script
Runtime depends on two things: how many words you say and how fast you say them. This calculator counts the words in your script and divides by a speaking pace in words per minute (WPM). It shows the result at your own pace plus three common delivery speeds, so you can see the range before you record.
About 150 WPM suits most marketing video
Very fast narration, around 190 WPM and up, can feel rushed. Very slow narration, under about 120 WPM, can feel like you are talking down to the viewer. Most professional voiceover sits near 150 WPM. Time yourself reading a paragraph aloud and enter your real pace for the most accurate estimate.
- A 30 second ad at 150 WPM is about 75 words.
- A 60 second video at 150 WPM is about 150 words.
- Leave room for pauses, music and on-screen text that is not read aloud.
Frequently asked questions
Should tutorials and ads use different paces?
Usually, yes. Tutorials tend to run slower, around 130 to 150 WPM, because clarity matters most. Ads often run faster, around 160 to 180 WPM, to carry energy in a short slot.
Why is my finished video longer than the estimate?
The estimate covers spoken words only. Pauses, b-roll without narration, intros and end screens all add time on top.