Teleprompter speed calculator

Paste a script or type a word count to see how long it takes to read aloud, and how many words fit in a video of a given length.

How fast do people read aloud?

A relaxed, conversational pace is about 130–160 words per minute. Explainers and tutorials often sit around 120–140 because the speaker slows down for detail. Radio-style ads can push past 170. Start at 150 and adjust after a test read.

Words per video length at 150 wpm

• 15 seconds: about 38 words
• 30 seconds: about 75 words
• 60 seconds: about 150 words
• 90 seconds: about 225 words
• 2 minutes: about 300 words

Let the prompter hit the time for you

In Zett Prompter, choose Duration under Playback and set the length of the spot. It works out the scroll speed so the last line arrives exactly on time, whatever the script length. The button above copies your script straight into the prompter.

Questions