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 Blog2Video 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 Blog2Video
Once this tool helps you shape the copy, headline, formatting, or angle, paste the same piece into Blog2Video and generate a narrated video from it.