How the calculator works
Speaking time is your word count divided by your speaking speed in words per minute, plus any pauses you mark. Silent reading time uses 238 words per minute, the average adult reading speed for non-fiction, which is useful for on-screen text and blog versions of your video.
- Paste your script, or type a word count if you are planning before writing.
- Set your speaking speed. The presets cover most styles, and the slider goes from 80 to 220 wpm.
- Add
[pause]or[beat]where you’ll stop for effect and choose how long each lasts. - Check which video lengths your script fits, and how many words to cut if it runs long.
Words per minute for video: a quick reference
| Video length | Calm (120 wpm) | Natural (140 wpm) | Upbeat (160 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 30 words | 35 words | 40 words |
| 30 seconds | 60 words | 70 words | 80 words |
| 60 seconds | 120 words | 140 words | 160 words |
| 90 seconds | 180 words | 210 words | 240 words |
| 3 minutes | 360 words | 420 words | 480 words |
| 8 minutes | 960 words | 1,120 words | 1,280 words |
| 10 minutes | 1,200 words | 1,400 words | 1,600 words |
Writing scripts that fit short-form video
- Spend the first 10 to 15 words on the hook. On a 30-second video that is already a fifth of your script.
- Cut filler phrases like “so basically” and “what I want to say is”. They cost a second each.
- Numbers, names and technical terms slow most people down. Time those scripts at a lower wpm.
- Record a test read. If it lands within 10% of the estimate, your speed setting is right.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many words are in a 1-minute video?
About 140 to 160 words at a natural speaking pace. A 30-second video holds roughly 70 to 80 words, and a 15-second clip about 35 to 40.
How many words is a 10-minute YouTube video?
Around 1,400 to 1,600 words at a conversational pace of 140 to 160 words per minute. Tutorials with screen demos often run slower, closer to 1,200 words.
What speaking speed should I choose?
Use 140 wpm if you are unsure. Choose 120 for calm or explanatory content, 160 for upbeat talking-head videos and 180 or more for fast Shorts and TikToks. For an exact figure, read a paragraph aloud and time yourself.
Do pauses count?
Yes, if you want them to. Add a pause marker like [pause] or [beat] in your script and set how many seconds each one lasts. The calculator adds that time to the total.
Is my script saved or uploaded?
No. The text is counted in your browser and is never sent anywhere. Refreshing the page clears it.