How many words fit in a 30-, 60-, or 90-second script?
By Remetric Labs · Last reviewed October 26, 2026
Time your draft with Script Length.
Try the tool →The pace table
Use 130 wpm (slow/deliberate), 150 wpm (narration), 180 wpm (conversational), 220 wpm (fast). Budgets: at 150 wpm, 30 s = 75 words, 60 s = 150, 90 s = 225. At 180 wpm: 90, 180, 270. Check yours in Script Length - paste the draft for time, or enter the slot for the word budget.
Worked demo
Target: 60-second narration at 150 wpm → 150-word budget. Draft 168 words, rehearse: 68 seconds. Trim two adjectives per sentence and one example (down to 148 words) → 59 seconds. Subtract pauses first: three 2-second beats consume 6 seconds ≈ 15 words at narration pace.
Pauses and pitfalls
Numbers, names, demos, laughter, and emphasis all run slow - first recordings usually need 10–15% fewer words than the budget. Silent reading speed does not apply. Set a custom pace after one timed read-aloud (e.g. your 160 wpm), and re-check after edits. For written length targets use Word Counter.