Speaking Time Calculator
Convert between word count and speaking time — in either direction — for speeches, presentations, podcasts, and video scripts.
14 words
6 sec
at 150 words/min (conversational)
About Speaking Time Calculator
This calculator converts between word count and estimated speaking time using research-based speaking-pace benchmarks (National Center for Voice and Speech, and context-specific studies on presentation, podcast, and audiobook narration pace). Unlike a plain reading-time estimate, it works in both directions: paste or type your script to see how long it will take to deliver, or enter a target duration to find out how many words you need to write to fill it — useful when a podcast episode, video, or presentation slot has to hit an exact time. Pace presets are labeled by context (formal presentation, conversational, podcast/narration, fast) rather than a single one-size-fits-all number, since actual speaking pace varies meaningfully by setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speaking pace varies by speaker, so treat the result as a solid planning estimate, not an exact prediction. Recording yourself reading a sample and timing it will always be more accurate for your specific voice and delivery style.
Context matters more than most people expect. Formal presentations are usually slower for audience comprehension (100-120 wpm), conversational speech and TED-style talks average around 150 wpm, and podcast narration or audiobooks often run 150-170 wpm.
Yes — switch to the "Target Time → Words" tab, enter 10 minutes, pick the "Podcast / narration" pace, and it shows the word count to write toward.
Yes, both split on whitespace using the same logic, so a word count from Word Counter will match what this tool counts for the same text.