Audiobook Length Calculator

Question 1

How does the audiobook length calculator work?

Accepted Answer

This calculator estimates audiobook duration based on the total word count or page count of a book. It uses average narration speeds (measured in words per minute) to calculate how long the audiobook would be. The standard audiobook narration speed is around 150-160 words per minute.

Question 2

What is the average audiobook narration speed?

Accepted Answer

Professional audiobook narrators typically speak at 150-160 words per minute (WPM). Slower narration (120-140 WPM) is used for complex material or dramatic emphasis, while faster narration (170-200 WPM) is used for lighter content. According to ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange), most audiobooks fall in the 150-160 WPM range.

Question 3

How many words are in a typical book?

Accepted Answer

Book length varies by genre and type: novellas are 20,000-50,000 words, average novels are 70,000-90,000 words, and epic novels can be 110,000+ words. Non-fiction books typically range from 50,000-80,000 words. You can find word counts on Goodreads or publisher websites.

Question 4

How many words per page should I use?

Accepted Answer

The average depends on book format: standard fiction novels have 250-300 words per page, non-fiction books have 250-350 words per page, academic texts have 200-250 words per page, and large print books have 200-225 words per page. The actual count varies with font size, margins, and formatting.

Question 5

How do I find the word count of a book?

Accepted Answer

For published books, check Goodreads, Amazon product details, or the publisher's website. For manuscripts, use your word processor's word count tool (in Microsoft Word: Review → Word Count; in Google Docs: Tools → Word count). Some authors also share word counts in prefaces or author notes.

Question 6

Why do audiobook durations vary for the same book?

Accepted Answer

Audiobook duration can vary based on several factors: narrator speaking speed, inclusion of author notes or introductions, pauses between chapters, sound effects or music in full-cast productions, and whether content is abridged or unabridged. Different narrators can produce audiobooks of different lengths for the same text.

Question 7

How accurate is this calculator?

Accepted Answer

This calculator provides estimates based on standard narration speeds. Actual audiobook length may differ by 10-20% due to narrator style, pauses, chapter breaks, and added content. Professional audiobook production follows industry standards, so estimates are typically close to actual durations for unabridged recordings.

Question 8

Can I use this for audiobook production planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This calculator is useful for authors and publishers planning audiobook production. It helps estimate recording time, production costs, and final audiobook length. For professional audiobook production, visit ACX or Findaway Voices for detailed production guidelines.

Book Information

Estimated Duration

Duration at Different Narration Speeds

Tips & Information

Frequently Asked Questions