Script time calculator
Struggling to work out how much recording studio time you need for your voice over session? We've got you covered. Drawing on our voice over experience, we've worked out some rough averages to help you estimate the studio time your session will need.
Step 1
Do you need your audio timed to match existing video?
Step 2
How fast do you want the delivery to sound?
If your word count is the English source, pick the target language and we'll allow for how much it expands.
Estimated studio time
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A rough guide only — the ideal starting point before you speak to our team.
Book your sessionThis is only a rough guide, not a substitute for reaching out to our team for a more precise estimate — but it's a great starting point.
What else could impact the session length?
Speed of individual artists
Delivery varies per voice talent — they're humans, not machines.
Number of takes
Want five takes of an 800-word script? That's effectively a 4,000-word script.
Directors on the line
More decision-makers directing in real time is great for feedback, but usually needs a longer session.
Translated languages
English is comparatively short — German, for example, runs around 20–30% longer on average.
Artist preparation
Scripts shared well in advance let the artist prepare, so sessions run much faster.
And many more variables
Every voice over is different — reach out to our team for more specific guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the script time calculator?
It gives a solid ballpark based on average recording speeds, but every session is different. Delivery style, number of takes, directors on the line and the artist's prep time all affect the real duration, so treat the result as a starting point rather than a firm quote.
How do I count the words in my script?
You don't have to — paste your script straight into the calculator and it counts the words for you. If you already know the total, just type it in instead.
Does the language affect how long a session takes?
Yes. Translations expand or contract compared with English — German, for example, tends to run around 30% longer. If you enter an English word count, pick the target language and the calculator allows for that expansion.
What's the difference between recording wild and timed to video?
Recording wild means the artist reads at a natural pace with no video to match, which is quicker. Timed (or sync) recording matches the audio to finished picture, which takes longer because the read has to fit each on-screen moment.
Free tools
More free tools & resources
Subtitle reading speed checker
Check characters-per-second against your platform's spec.
Subtitle converter
Convert and clean SRT, VTT, SBV, TTML and more.
Usage fee calculator
Estimate voice over usage and licence fees by media and term.
Which service do I need?
Answer a few questions to find the right service for your project.
Localisation glossary
Plain-English definitions of voice over and subtitling terms.
Guides & how-tos
In-depth guides on subtitling, dubbing, voice over and localisation.
Ready to book your voice over session?
Send us your script and we'll confirm the exact studio time, cast the right voice and take care of the rest.