Speech Time Calculator

How it is calculated

The tool divides the script length by your speaking pace: minutes = words ÷ words per minute. It shows the result two ways: as decimal minutes (two decimals), and as whole minutes plus seconds. The seconds are the fractional part times 60, rounded; if that rounds up to 60, the minute count goes up by one and seconds reset to 0.

Words and pace must both be above zero. The tool only does the arithmetic: it does not count words in a pasted script, and it adds nothing for pauses, slides, applause or Q&A unless you lower the pace to account for them. Choose a pace that matches how you actually speak; reading aloud, improvising and formal delivery usually differ.

Common mistakes

• Reading 8.57 minutes as 8 minutes 57 seconds. The decimal is a fraction of a minute, about 34 seconds.
• Using a reading-silently speed rather than a speaking speed. People read to themselves much faster than they talk.
• Counting the pace from a fast rehearsal and forgetting the slower pace on the day, when nerves, pauses and audience reactions add time.
• Entering characters or pages as words. The field takes a word count.
• Leaving out time for slides, demos or questions, which this arithmetic does not include.