Calculator: how long is your script?

Reading aloud to a camera, most people speak between 120 and 160 words per minute. A 300-word script takes about 2 minutes 20 seconds at 130 words per minute. Paste your text into the calculator to see the exact time.

0:1226 words
The other way round: how many words for…

For 1 min at 130 words per minute, write about 130 words.

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  • It moves when you speak and waits when you stop.
  • Write on your computer and read on your phone, connected by QR code.
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The Present screen on a computer, with the QR code and the code to connect a phone.

How many words for each length

LengthSlow (110/min)Normal (130/min)Fast (160/min)
30 seconds556580
1 minute110130160
2 minutes220260320
5 minutes550650800
10 minutes110013001600
Rounded to 5 words.

Which pace to choose

  • Slow (110): lessons, technical explanations, speeches in a large room and beginners.
  • Normal (130): YouTube videos, presentations and webinars. It’s the pace CueTwin uses to estimate length.
  • Fast (160): Reels, TikTok and ads, where every second counts.

Pauses, gestures and demos aren’t counted. If your video has parts without speech, add that time to the estimate.

The CueTwin editor on a computer, with the script and its estimated length.
In CueTwin, the estimated length sits next to the script and updates as you type.

How to shorten a script that ran long

  • Cut the intro: say right away what the viewer will get.
  • Split long sentences in two. They read faster and sound more natural.
  • Drop repeated examples. Keep the best one.
  • Put long lists on screen, as text or an image, instead of reading them all.

FAQ

How many words is a 1-minute video?

Between 110 and 160 words, depending on pace. At 130 words per minute, a calm pace for camera, it’s 130 words.

How long does it take to read one page?

A letter or A4 page in 12-point type has about 500 words, so about 4 minutes at 130 words per minute.

Does the calculator keep my text?

No. Counting happens in your browser and the text never leaves your computer.

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Calculator: how long is your script? — CueTwin