WordToolboxScripts are commissioned in minutes but written in words. The conversion is simple arithmetic — as long as you use the pace that matches the format and add time for everything that is not speech.
Pacing by format
| Format | Words per minute | Words for 60 seconds |
|---|---|---|
| Explainer voiceover | 130–150 | ~140 |
| Conversational podcast | 150–170 | ~160 |
| News or broadcast read | 150–160 | ~155 |
| Audiobook narration | 150–160 | ~155 |
| Technical or instructional demo | 110–130 | ~120 |
| Short-form vertical video | 170–190 | ~180 |
WordToolbox reports speaking time at 140 words per minute, which suits explainer and instructional narration. For faster formats, divide your word count by the rate above to adjust.
Add non-speech time
- Deliberate pauses between sections: 1–2 seconds each.
- On-screen demonstrations or silent b-roll: measured separately from the script.
- Musical intro and outro beds.
- Emphasis pauses before a key number or claim.
Practical script targets
| Runtime | Approximate words at 140 wpm |
|---|---|
| 30 seconds | 70 |
| 60 seconds | 140 |
| 2 minutes | 280 |
| 5 minutes | 700 |
| 10 minutes | 1,400 |
| 30 minutes | 4,200 |
Check sentence length too
Spoken sentences must fit a breath. Aim for 10–16 words per sentence: the counter's average words-per-sentence figure catches the 40-word monster that reads fine on paper and collapses in the booth. Read the script aloud once against a timer to confirm the estimate.