How accurate is the video time calculation?
Our calculator uses industry-standard speaking rates (120–180 WPM) to give you an estimate within ±10% of your actual recording time. Final length depends on pauses, emphasis, and your natural pace.
What speaking speed should I use?
Use Slow (120 WPM) for tutorials and educational content, Normal (150 WPM) for vlogs and standard YouTube videos, and Fast (180 WPM) for Shorts, Reels, and TikTok.
Can I use this for YouTube Shorts?
Yes — we'll instantly tell you whether your script fits within the 60-second limit so you can trim before recording.
Can I use ScriptTimer as a word counter?
Yes — ScriptTimer counts words and characters in real time as you type, just like a word counter, but also shows your exact speaking time.
Does ScriptTimer count characters?
Yes, it shows both word count and character count alongside your script timing.
How many words is a 1-minute video script?
At a normal speaking pace of 150 WPM, a 1-minute video script is roughly 150 words. At a faster pace (180 WPM) you can fit up to 180 words, and at a slower tutorial pace (120 WPM) around 120 words. Use ScriptTimer to find the exact count for your speaking style.
How do I convert word count to minutes?
Divide your word count by your speaking speed. For example, 600 words ÷ 150 WPM = 4 minutes. ScriptTimer does this calculation instantly — just paste your script and select your pace.
How many words is a 5-minute script?
A 5-minute script is approximately 600–750 words depending on your speaking speed. At 120 WPM (slow/tutorial pace) it's around 600 words, at 150 WPM (normal) it's 750 words, and at 180 WPM (fast/Shorts pace) it's 900 words. Read our full guide:
How Many Words for a 5-Minute YouTube Video →What is the average speaking speed in words per minute?
The average English speaking rate is 120–150 words per minute according to the National Center for Voice and Speech. Conversational speech sits around 130 WPM, while broadcast and commercial delivery is typically 160–180 WPM. ScriptTimer supports all three ranges.
Can I use ScriptTimer for podcasts and voiceovers?
Yes — ScriptTimer works for any spoken content including podcasts, voiceovers, audiobooks, commercials, and eLearning narration. Select your speaking pace to match your recording style and get an accurate time estimate before you hit record.
Does ScriptTimer work with all languages?
Yes — ScriptTimer supports scripts in any language. Simply paste your text and the word counter and timer will work instantly regardless of the language you're writing in.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words out loud?
At a normal speaking pace of 130 WPM, 1,000 words takes approximately 7 minutes and 42 seconds to read aloud. At 150 WPM it's about 6 minutes 40 seconds, and at 180 WPM around 5 minutes 33 seconds. Paste your script into ScriptTimer for an instant result.
How do I write a script that fits exactly 60 seconds?
Aim for 150 words at normal pace or 180 words at a fast pace. Write your script, paste it into ScriptTimer, and use the YouTube Shorts indicator to confirm it fits within 60 seconds. Trim or expand until the timing is perfect before recording.
Is ScriptTimer free to use?
Yes — ScriptTimer is completely free with no sign-up or account required. Paste your script, choose your speaking speed, and get your video timing instantly.
