Enter the text and the time to see the reading speed.
How to calculate subtitle reading speed
Enter the text
Type or paste the subtitle in Subtitle text. Press Enter to start a new line, as in the subtitle.
Enter the time
Type the length in Duration, for example 2.5 for two and a half seconds. Or click Start and end and type both times.
Read the result
The numbers change as you type. Compare Characters per second with the 17 and 20 limits.
When to use CPS calculator
- You wrote a subtitle and want to know if viewers have enough time to read it.
- A reviewer says that your reading speed is too high and you want the exact number.
- You need to know how long a line must stay on screen to stay within 17 CPS.
- You want to test a shorter version of a line before you change your file.
- A client asks for a maximum of 20 characters per second and you want to check one cue.
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Common questions
What is CPS in subtitles?
CPS means characters per second. It is the number of characters in a subtitle divided by the seconds that the subtitle is on screen. A higher number means that viewers must read faster.
What is a good reading speed for subtitles?
This tool compares the speed with 17 and 20 CPS. Most subtitle style guides for adult viewers set their limit in that range. Children's programs and some clients use lower limits.
How many characters per line should a subtitle have?
Many style guides allow up to 42 characters on a line and up to 2 lines. The tool shows the length of each line and warns you when a line or the number of lines goes over.
Do spaces and punctuation count as characters?
Yes. Spaces and punctuation count. Line breaks, HTML tags such as <i>, and position codes such as {\an8} do not.
How do I lower the CPS of a subtitle?
Make the text shorter or keep the subtitle on screen for longer. The result shows how many seconds the subtitle needs at 17 and at 20 CPS.
Can I check the CPS of a whole file?
Yes. The SRT validator lists every subtitle above 17 and 20 CPS. The statistics tool shows the highest CPS and the average CPS of the file.
Is my file uploaded?
No. The tool runs in your browser. Your subtitle file never leaves your computer.
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