RubanTools
Suggest a Tool

Script Timer

Paste your script or enter a word count - instantly see the estimated video duration at slow, normal and fast speaking speeds.

0 words 0 characters
How many words is your script?
→ shows how many words you need
🐢 Slow
100 WPM
🎯 Normal
130 WPM (recommended)
⚡ Fast
160 WPM
Video Length Benchmarks

Remember

  • Add 10–20% buffer for natural pauses, emphasis and emphasis beats
  • B-roll, on-screen demos and title cards add silent time - subtract these from script budget
  • YouTube Shorts: target under 60 seconds (60–100 words at normal pace)

Paste your script or enter a word count to calculate video duration.

Script Timer FAQ

Average speaking pace is 120–150 WPM. Slow, deliberate speech (podcasts, audiobooks) runs at 100–120 WPM. Normal conversational pace is 130–150 WPM. Fast or excited delivery: 160–200 WPM. Professional presentations target 120–140 WPM.

At normal pace (130 WPM), a 10-minute video needs ~1,300 words. Slow pace (100 WPM): ~1,000 words. Fast pace (160 WPM): ~1,600 words. Add 10–20% buffer for pauses, b-roll and on-screen demos.

Shorts: 30–60 seconds (50–160 words). Standard tutorials: 8–15 min (1,040–2,400 words). Long-form essays: 15–30+ min. Target your intended video length, then subtract 10–20% for pauses and b-roll.

Divide your word count by your WPM. Example: 1,000 words ÷ 130 WPM = 7.7 minutes. Add 10–20% buffer for natural pauses and demonstrations. This tool shows all three speeds at once.