---
title: "Speaking time calculator - how long is my speech or script? | Speecho"
description: "Free speech time calculator. Paste a speech or script and see how long it takes to say aloud at your pace, plus word and character counts for talks, voiceover and video."
canonical: "https://speecho.app/tools/speaking-time-calculator/"
language: "en"
publisher: "Speecho"
---
Free tools

# Speaking time calculator

Paste a speech or script and see **how long it takes to read aloud** - a speech timer for talks and a script length calculator for voiceover, video or podcast. Updates as you type; nothing is uploaded.

Updated August 2026

- How long a speech or script runs aloud
- Pace in words per minute
- The length as an AI voice too
- Updates as you type, nothing uploaded

> Interactive tool: it runs in the browser at <https://speecho.app/tools/speaking-time-calculator/>

## Why speaking time isn't just word count

The same script runs long or short depending on delivery. A calm, deliberate read at 130 words per minute can be a full minute longer than a punchy 170-wpm promo of the same text. Set the pace to match how the script will actually be voiced, and you'll know whether it fits your 60-second slot before you record a thing.

Planning an [AI voiceover](https://speecho.app/ai-voiceover-for-videos/) instead? The character count above feeds straight into the [text-to-speech cost calculator](https://speecho.app/tools/tts-cost-calculator/) - AI narration runs at roughly 1,000 characters per minute, so you can price the clip and check the length in one go. When you're ready, [generate it in the Voice tab](https://my.speecho.app/voice).

## Speaking time - FAQ

Not covered here? [Ask us](https://speecho.app/contact/), we usually reply within a business day.

**How is speaking time calculated?**

Word count divided by your words-per-minute pace. The default is 150 wpm, a natural conversational narration speed. Slower, deliberate delivery is around 130 wpm; a fast, energetic read is closer to 170. Pick the pace that matches how the script will actually be read.

**What is a good speaking pace for a voiceover?**

For most videos and explainers, 140–160 wpm sounds natural and easy to follow. Audiobooks and calm narration sit around 130–150. News and high-energy promos push 160–180. If in doubt, 150 wpm is a safe default.

**How long is a 500-word script?**

At 150 wpm, about 3 minutes 20 seconds. At 130 wpm it stretches to roughly 3:50; at 170 wpm it tightens to about 2:56. Paste your script above and adjust the pace to see the exact figure.

**Will an AI voice match this timing?**

Closely. AI narration is billed by characters (about 1,000 characters per minute of speech), and its default pace is similar to a human read - and you can nudge it faster or slower with playback speed. Use the character count here with the text-to-speech cost calculator to estimate price.

**How long does it take to speak 1,000 words?**

About 6 minutes 40 seconds at a conversational 150 wpm. A slow, deliberate talk at 130 wpm takes roughly 7:40; a brisk 170-wpm delivery lands near 5:50. For a live speech in front of an audience, budget the slower end - presenters pause more than they think.