Text · Educational product

Course duration calculator

Paste the script or the course text. The tool estimates how long it takes as narration, reading and with pauses — instantly, no login.

140 ppm

Reference: casual speech in English is around 150 wpm; podcasts and audiobooks ~130–160; newscast reading ~160–180.

+25%

The % is extra time added to the narration. E.g.: 10min of speech + "Medium (+25%)" = ~12min30 total, counting pauses, live examples and interactions.

0 words
0 characters
0min narration
0min reading
0min with pauses
0–0min range (slow–fast)

Why estimating duration matters

A script isn't real time. Text that looks short can become fifteen minutes of video, and a "one-hour" module may not fit the time the learner has. Estimating early avoids rework in recording, editing and review with the subject-matter expert.

The base math is simple: words ÷ speaking rate. Comfortable narration usually sits between 130 and 150 words per minute. Silent reading is faster (around 200–250 wpm). That's why we show both — plus a range between slow and fast, because no estimate is exact.

The pause allowance covers what the text doesn't: breathing, live examples, questions, clicks on interactions. Pick the scenario by format — an expository video needs little (+15%); a synchronous lesson with activities needs much more (+50%).

Frequently asked questions

How is narration time estimated?

The base math is words ÷ speaking rate. Comfortable narration usually sits between 130 and 150 words per minute; that's why the tool shows a range between slow and fast pace, since no estimate is exact.

Why add pause time?

Because the script isn't real time: breathing, live examples, questions and interactions add up. The pause allowance brings the estimate closer to real time depending on the format — from expository video to live class.

Is the tool free?

Yes. It's part of the EduBuilders Toolbox, a collection of free tools for instructional designers, L&D professionals and educators. No sign-up, no login.

What is EduBuilders?

EduBuilders is an educational-product studio working at the intersection of education, technology and AI. Besides building digital learning products, it maintains the EduBuilders Toolbox: free tools made by someone who actually works in Instructional Design.

Who is Ivan Chagas?

Ivan Chagas is an instructional designer, educational-product builder and founder of EduBuilders. He has worked in education since 2012, at the intersection of instructional design, artificial intelligence and learning technology, and built these tools to solve real problems for course builders.