Calculator
Estimate your video runtime from a script or word count.
Paste your script or enter a word count and see the estimated runtime at slow, normal, and fast narration speeds — so you can trim to a target length before you ever hit record.
- Converts a word count or pasted script into an estimated runtime instantly.
- Shows a range across slow, normal, and fast narration speeds.
- Helps you hit a target length before recording instead of re-editing after.
How the estimate works
Spoken-word pacing is remarkably consistent: most narration lands between roughly 120 and 160 words per minute. This calculator takes your word count — typed in directly or counted from a pasted script — and translates it into a runtime range across slow, normal, and fast delivery.
Use it as a planning number. Real runtime shifts with pauses, on-screen beats, music, and B-roll, so treat the estimate as a target to write toward rather than a stopwatch guarantee.
How to hit a target length
If you are aiming for a 60-second Short or a 10-minute explainer, work backward: the calculator tells you roughly how many words fit, so you can trim or expand the script before recording.
- For a 60s Short, plan for roughly 130-160 spoken words.
- Leave headroom for pauses, transitions, and on-screen text beats.
- Trim to length in the script, not in the edit — it is far faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign in to use the Video Length Calculator?
Yes. Access to the calculator requires a free Article Video Studio account. Sign in with Google and you can use it right away — no credit card required.
What narration speed should I use?
Normal (around 140 words per minute) is a safe default for most explainer and talking-head videos. Use the slow estimate for calm, deliberate narration and the fast estimate for energetic, high-tempo edits.
Why is my real video longer than the estimate?
The estimate counts spoken words only. Pauses, music intros, on-screen text beats, transitions, and B-roll all add time. Add a buffer on top of the estimate when planning to a hard runtime.
Turn this finished article into video with Article Video Studio
Once this tool helps you shape the copy, headline, formatting, or angle, paste the same piece into Article Video Studio and generate a narrated video from it.