Can you convert characters directly to minutes?

Not accurately, because short and long words take different amounts of time to say. Using both word count and speaking time gives a more reliable estimate.

Does the tool show both reading and speaking time?

Yes, it displays separate estimates for reading time and speaking time alongside character and word counts.

Are spaces included when estimating speaking time?

Spaces separate words and affect how the text is parsed, though speaking time is driven mainly by the words themselves.

Is my script saved or sent anywhere?

No, everything runs in your browser and stays only on your device until you clear it.

Character Count to Speaking Time

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Character count alone is only a rough guide for speaking time because word length and punctuation affect pacing. Counting both characters and words gives a much better estimate for voiceovers and videos. Paste your script into the free tool on this page to see both reading time and speaking time update as you edit.

Do it now, right here

0Characters

0Words

Character limits

Most used words

Step by step

Paste your voiceover or video script into the text box on this page.
Check the Speaking time and Reading time counters at the top.
Adjust your script or remove extra spaces if you need to trim pauses.
Use the copy button when your script fits your target duration.

At a glance

Script type	What to watch	Why it matters
Voiceover narration	Speaking time and words	Pacing and pauses matter more than raw characters.
Short social video	Characters and speaking time	Tight limits require concise wording.
Teleprompter script	Reading time and lines	Line breaks help keep a steady pace.
Podcast intro	Speaking time	Helps keep openings consistent across episodes.

How to Estimate Speaking Time From Character Count