Video Script Length Calculator
The ViralMint Video Script Length Calculator is a free tool that converts a script into its estimated spoken video duration — and works in reverse, telling you how many words to write for a target length. Paste your script (or type a word count), pick a narration pace, and it estimates the runtime instantly in your browser, with no sign-up. It's built for short-form creators who need a 30-, 60- or 90-second video to actually hit that length. The estimate uses words-per-minute narration rates: 120 wpm for relaxed delivery, 145 for conversational YouTube/explainer pacing, and 170 for energetic Shorts and TikTok. As a rule of thumb, a 60-second video is roughly 145 words at a conversational pace. Use it to trim a script that runs long, hit a platform's duration sweet spot, or budget words before you start writing.
Write about 145 words for a 1m 00s video at this pace.
How many words is a 60-second video?
At a conversational narration pace (145 words per minute), a 60-second video is about 145 words. Pace changes the answer — here's a quick reference:
| Video length | Relaxed (120 wpm) | Conversational (145 wpm) | Energetic (170 wpm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 seconds | 30 words | 36 words | 43 words |
| 30 seconds | 60 words | 73 words | 85 words |
| 60 seconds | 120 words | 145 words | 170 words |
| 90 seconds | 180 words | 218 words | 255 words |
How the estimate works
The formula is simple: duration = word count ÷ words-per-minute. The tool
counts the words in your script and divides by your chosen pace. It measures spoken
narration time only — it doesn't add on-screen pauses, B-roll beats or a music intro, so
add a few seconds of buffer if your edit has those.
Tips for hitting your target length
- Write to the budget, not past it. Set your target seconds first, get the word count, then write to it — trimming afterwards is harder.
- Front-load the hook. The first 3 seconds decide retention; spend words there, not on a long intro.
- Read it aloud. Your real speaking pace is the truth — the estimate is a starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 1-minute video script?
About 145 words at a conversational pace (145 words per minute). At a relaxed documentary pace it's closer to 120 words, and at an energetic Shorts/TikTok pace around 170 words. The calculator lets you switch pace to match your delivery.
How is video length estimated from a script?
Duration = word count ÷ words-per-minute pace. The tool counts the words in your script and divides by your chosen narration speed (120, 145 or 170 wpm). It estimates spoken narration time only — it doesn't account for on-screen pauses, B-roll beats or music intros, so add a few seconds of buffer for those.
What's a good speaking pace for video narration?
Most YouTube explainers and voiceovers land around 145 words per minute — clear but not slow. Documentary or calm content runs ~120 wpm; fast-paced Shorts and TikTok narration often hits 160–170 wpm. Faster pacing fits more words into a fixed runtime but lowers comprehension, so match it to your audience.
Does it work for TikTok and YouTube Shorts?
Yes. It's platform-agnostic — set the target length (e.g. 30 or 60 seconds) and pick the energetic pace for short-form, and it tells you the word budget. Use it to trim a script that overruns a platform's sweet spot before you record.
Skip the writing entirely
ViralMint generates a full video script to your target length — then turns it into a finished video with AI voiceover, music and word-by-word captions.