Script length calculator
Paste your script and see how long it runs on screen at a natural speaking pace. Or set a target length and see how many words fit.
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at 150 words a minute
How to time a video script
Most voiceovers and on-camera presenters speak at about 150 words a minute. Count the words that will actually be spoken, leave out directions like [cut to product] or (smiles), then divide by the pace. A 150 word script runs about one minute.
Then add time for the things that are not words: pauses, music beats, product shots and on-screen text that needs a moment to read. A read-through out loud with a timer is still the best check before you book the shoot or the voiceover.
Words per minute guide
| Video length | Words at 150 a minute | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | About 38 words | Stories, Reels hooks, bumper ads |
| 30 seconds | About 75 words | Social ads, short promos |
| 60 seconds | About 150 words | Short explainers, testimonials |
| 90 seconds | About 225 words | Product videos, internal updates |
| 2 minutes | About 300 words | Explainers, training modules |
FAQ
Script length questions
How many words is a 1 minute script?
About 150 words at a natural pace. A calm, considered read is closer to 130 words, and an energetic social read can reach 170.
How many words is a 30 second ad?
About 75 words at 150 words a minute. Many 30 second ads land between 60 and 70 words so there is room for a logo, music and a call to action.
Should I count stage directions?
No. Only count words that are spoken. This calculator skips anything in [brackets] or (parentheses) by default, so you can keep directions in the script.
How accurate is the estimate?
It is a good planning number. Pace changes with the speaker, the language and the tone, so read the script out loud with a timer before the final record.
From script to finished video
Your dedicated SoCreative team handles the shoot, voiceover and edit, with a fixed price before you start.