Words per minute: quick reference
| Length | 130 wpm | 150 wpm | 170 wpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 seconds | 65 | 75 | 85 |
| 1 minute | 130 | 150 | 170 |
| 2 minutes | 260 | 300 | 340 |
| 3 minutes | 390 | 450 | 510 |
| 5 minutes | 650 | 750 | 850 |
| 10 minutes | 1300 | 1500 | 1700 |
Which pace should I pick?
Use 150 words per minute if you don't know your pace. It's a common planning figure for conversational speech, and it's the rate Cuey uses to estimate time remaining. Pick 130 for careful explanations, tutorials and non-native audiences, and 170 for energetic short-form video.
Why scripts run longer than the estimate
The calculator counts words only. Pauses, emphasis, demos and on-screen actions all add time. For videos with screen recording, add 20–30% to the estimate, or time a real read-through. Our guide to teleprompter speed covers pacing in more detail.