About this tool

Speech Timing Calculator

Convert a word count into speaking minutes at your delivery pace, with slide and pause overhead and a word budget for any target length.

The Speech Timing Calculator converts a script word count into speaking time using delivery pace, slide-change overhead, planned pauses and a target length. It also compares the same script across common speaking speeds such as ceremonial, technical, conversational, keynote, audiobook, TED-style and fast delivery.

How to use Speech Timing Calculator

1. 1

   Open Speech Timing Calculator on AltFTool — it loads instantly in your browser.

2. 2

   Enter the values you already know.

3. 3

   Fine-tune the options to match your scenario.

4. 4

   Read the result and use it in your planning or reporting.

Why use Speech Timing Calculator

• Real pace presets

  Use practical WPM presets for eulogies, technical talks, keynotes, audiobooks and TED-style talks.

• Overhead-aware timing

  Slides and planned pauses are counted separately from spoken words.

• Copyable estimate

  Export total time, speaking time, overhead and target word budget.

Common use cases

• Check whether a speech, pitch, sermon, lecture or presentation fits a time slot.
• Estimate how many words to cut or add for a target duration.
• Add slide-change and pause overhead instead of relying on raw words-per-minute.
• Compare a script at several delivery styles before rehearsal.

Frequently asked questions