How-to
How long will my video be? Estimate runtime from a script
Spoken-word pacing is remarkably consistent, so you can estimate a video's runtime from its word count before you record. Here's the math — and a free calculator that does it across slow, normal, and fast narration.
Speaking speed is more predictable than you'd think
Most narration lands between roughly 120 and 160 words per minute. Slow, deliberate delivery sits near the bottom of that range; energetic, high-tempo editing sits near the top. Around 140 words per minute is a safe default for most explainer and talking-head videos.
Because the range is so consistent, you can turn a word count into a runtime estimate before recording a single second — which is exactly when the estimate is most useful.
The quick math
Runtime in minutes is roughly your word count divided by your words-per-minute. So a 700-word script at 140 wpm is about five minutes of narration. At 120 wpm it stretches to nearly six; at 160 wpm it compresses to under four and a half.
Working backward is even more useful. Targeting a 60-second Short? Plan for roughly 130-160 spoken words. Targeting a 10-minute explainer? You need somewhere around 1,400 words of script.
Why your real video runs longer
The estimate counts spoken words only. Real videos add time on top: pauses, music intros, on-screen text beats, transitions, and B-roll all stretch the runtime. Leave a buffer when you're planning to a hard length.
- Add a few seconds per scene for on-screen text and transitions.
- Account for a music intro or outro if you use one.
- Trim to length in the script, not in the edit — it's far faster.
Use the free calculator
Rather than doing the arithmetic by hand, paste your script into our free Video Length Calculator. It counts the words and shows the estimated runtime at slow, normal, and fast narration speeds, so you can trim or expand to your target before you record.
Need a script to measure in the first place? Generate one with the free Video Script Generator, then paste it straight into the calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words is a one-minute video?
Roughly 130-160 spoken words at a normal-to-fast narration pace. For a calmer delivery, plan closer to 120 words per minute.
What narration speed should I assume?
Around 140 words per minute is a good default for most explainer and talking-head videos. Use the slow estimate for deliberate narration and the fast estimate for energetic, high-tempo edits.
Why is my finished video longer than the estimate?
The estimate counts spoken words only. Pauses, music, on-screen text, transitions, and B-roll all add time — build in a buffer when planning to a hard runtime.