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Speaking Time Calculator

Turn a script into a spoken running time at your own pace.

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estimated speaking time

Quick Tool Overview

The Speaking Time Calculator turns a written script into a running time using a speaking pace you choose, with an optional pause allowance for slide changes and breaths. It is how you find out that a ten-minute talk is really thirteen minutes long before the rehearsal rather than after.

What it does
Converts a script into spoken minutes and seconds
You give it
Your script and a speaking pace
You get back
A running time, with and without pauses
Best for
Presentations, speeches, podcasts and video scripts
Text Tools Free, unlimited use No sign-up Runs in your browser

About the Speaking Time Calculator

A conference slot is ten minutes and a wedding speech is five, and neither is measured in words. This calculator converts a script into a running time using a speaking rate you choose, so you find out before the rehearsal whether you are two minutes over rather than after.

Speaking rates vary more than people expect. A slow, deliberate keynote runs at about 100 words per minute; a normal presentation sits near 130; an audiobook narrator reads at roughly 150; a fast podcast conversation can hit 180. Pick the preset that matches your delivery, or set an exact figure. You can also add a pause allowance per slide or paragraph, which is usually the difference between a script that times perfectly on paper and one that overruns on stage.

Key features of the Speaking Time Calculator

Presets for real delivery styles

Slow keynote, conversational, presentation and fast podcast rates are built in, or you can type an exact figure.

Pause allowance

Add seconds per paragraph for slide changes, breaths and audience reaction — usually the difference between timing on paper and on stage.

Slot check

Enter the length of your slot and see immediately whether you are inside it and by how much.

Words-per-minute working shown

The word count and rate that produced the estimate are displayed, so the number is never a black box.

Also gives silent reading time

The reading-time figure is shown alongside for scripts that will be read as well as performed.

How to use the Speaking Time Calculator

  1. 1

    Paste your script

    The full text you intend to read aloud, including anything you plan to ad-lib from.

  2. 2

    Choose your pace

    Pick a preset — slow, conversational, presentation or fast — or type your own words-per-minute figure.

  3. 3

    Add pauses if you need them

    Set a pause allowance per paragraph to account for slide changes, breaths and audience reactions.

  4. 4

    Read the running time

    The total is shown in minutes and seconds, with the word count that produced it.

Frequently asked questions

For a presentation to an audience, 130 words per minute is a safe default. Use 100 to 110 for a formal or emotional speech where you want to slow down, and 150 or more only for casual, fast delivery to a familiar audience.

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