Audiobook Duration Estimator Online Free — Narration Time Calculator
Estimate how long your text takes to narrate as an audiobook.
These estimates reflect narration time only. Add 2–3× narration time for studio recording, editing, and mastering. ACX standard is ~9,300–10,000 finished words per hour of audio.
What is Audiobook Duration Estimator?
Estimates how long it will take to narrate your text as an audiobook at three narrator speeds: slow (120 WPM), standard (150 WPM), and fast (180 WPM). Useful for authors planning ACX uploads and podcast producers.
Common Use Cases
Authors estimating audiobook production time, ACX narrators quoting project length, publishers planning production budgets, and podcast producers estimating episode lengths.
How It Works
Counts words and divides by narrator WPM for each speed setting. ACX standard narration is typically 9,300–10,000 finished words per hour at ~155 WPM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words per hour does a typical audiobook narrator record?
Most professional narrators produce around 9,000–10,000 words per hour of finished audio at ~150–155 WPM.
Does this include studio editing time?
No. This estimates narration time only. Add 2–3x narration time for editing and mastering.
How much does an audiobook narrator cost?
ACX narrators charge per finished hour ($50-200+ depending on experience). Use this tool to estimate hours needed for budget planning.
What's the difference between manuscript words and finished audio length?
Finished audio is typically 8,500-10,000 words per hour. A 50,000-word manuscript = ~5-6 hours of audiobook content.
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