How the speaking time is calculated
Paste your script, choose a speaking pace, and see an estimate straight away. You can edit the words-per-minute rate to match your own delivery. The formula is word count ÷ words per minute × 60, rounded up to a whole second. For example, 260 words at 130 words per minute take about 2 minutes.
The counter treats each whitespace-separated group containing a letter or number as one word. A hyphenated term is one word; a standalone dash is not. This simple rule may give a slightly different count from Word or another editor.
Use the estimate to plan a talk
Include your opening and closing in the script. Choose a pace that sounds like your intended delivery, then rehearse with a stopwatch and adjust the rate. If the event has a strict limit, leave extra time for questions, slide changes and pauses.
What the estimate leaves out
This estimates the time to speak the pasted words aloud. It does not measure an actual performance or predict silent reading time. Pauses, emphasis, audience reactions, numbers, abbreviations and unfamiliar words all change the duration. Natural speaking rates also differ across languages; use a pace that suits your language and rehearsal.
Your script is processed only in your browser. The tool does not send it to Spirelight or store it, and reloading or closing the page removes it. Copying the result puts only the word count, rate and time estimate on your clipboard.