How many screenplay pages equal one minute of screen time?

The widely cited rule is one page = one minute, but this varies significantly by content. Action-heavy scenes run faster (0.6-0.75 min/page), while dialogue-heavy scenes run slower (1.1-1.25 min/page). This tool lets you choose a pacing mode to get a more accurate estimate based on your script's style.

What is the Fountain format and does this tool support it?

Fountain is a plain-text markup format for screenplays. Scene headings start with INT. or EXT., character names are in ALL CAPS on their own line, and dialogue follows below. This tool automatically detects Fountain formatting and uses it to identify scenes, characters, and act structure.

Where should act breaks fall in a feature-length screenplay?

For a standard 110-page feature: Act 1 ends around page 25-30, the midpoint is around page 55, the Act 2 turn (point of no return) is around pages 75-85, and Act 3 begins around page 90. This tool provides structure feedback comparing your script's beat positions to these industry benchmarks.

Screenwriting Script Timer

Paste your script and instantly see how long it runs, how each act stacks up, and where your beat points fall compared to industry standards. Supports Fountain format and plain text. Nothing uploaded.

Fountain format ? Act breakdown Structure feedback ? Scene histogram Save draft

Format

Act structure ?

Pacing ?

-15% Standard +15%

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Paste a script on the left - or click Load sample - to see timing analysis.

Screenplay timing formulas and structure benchmarks

How screenplay page count translates to runtime

The industry rule is one page equals one minute, but the actual pacing depends on script density. A page filled with action sequences (EXT. car chase, gunfire, etc.) runs at about 0.75 min/page because audiences see faster cuts. A page of dialogue-heavy scenes (INT. office conversation) runs closer to 1.25 min/page because actors need time to deliver lines and reactions. A balanced mix sits near the 1.0 min/page standard. This tool lets you select the pacing mode - if your script has heavy action, choose 0.75; if it's dialogue-driven, choose 1.25. The pacing toggle adds or subtracts 15 percent for particularly fast or slow productions.

Industry structure benchmarks and why they matter

Most feature films follow a three-act structure where Act 1 sets up the problem, Act 2 escalates it, and Act 3 resolves it. For a 110-page script: Act 1 should end around page 25-30, the midpoint (the story's turning point) around page 55, Act 2's final turn around pages 75-85, and the climax near page 90. Save the Cat and Hero's Journey frameworks have different beat positions - Save the Cat's "break into two" happens around page 10, while the Hero's Journey's "call to adventure" varies by pacing. The feedback panel shows you if your beats fall on target (green checkmark), too early (blue), or too late (orange). Hitting these marks helps maintain audience engagement.

FAQ

Why does the Fountain format matter?

Fountain is a plain-text markup standard that lets screenwriting software auto-detect scene headings (INT./EXT.), character names in all-caps, and action versus dialogue. By parsing Fountain format, this tool can automatically count scenes, measure dialogue density, and break down acts without you manually selecting them. If you paste plain text without Fountain formatting, it falls back to simple page and line counting.

How accurate is this timing estimate?

Very rough. Professional screenwriters know their pacing varies by director, cast, and production style. A big-budget action film might run 0.6 min/page, while a character-driven drama could hit 1.4 min/page. Use this tool as a sanity check - if your 120-page script calculates to 180 minutes, something's off. The real test is reading the script aloud or watching the shot production schedule with an AD.

What if my beats don't match the framework?

Not every story follows a textbook structure. Experimental films, heist movies with hard plot turns, and indie character pieces often break the rules intentionally. Use the feedback as a guideline, not gospel. If your story feels dramatically tight and moves the audience, unconventional beat placement is fine. The framework just flags when you're far outside the norm.

Last reviewed: May 31, 2026

How to time a screenplay by page count

The industry standard is one page of screenplay equals roughly one minute of screen time. That holds for balanced scripts - action-heavy scripts run faster (use 0.75 min/page) and dialogue-heavy scripts run slower (use 1.25 min/page). A typical feature film sits between 90 and 120 pages.

For Fountain files, paste the raw text directly. Scene headings (INT./EXT.) are auto-detected, and explicit page breaks (===) are used for page counting when present. Without page breaks, every 55 lines count as one page.

The structure feedback panel compares where your midpoint, act turns, and climax fall against the page positions expected by your chosen framework - 3-Act, 4-Act, Save the Cat, or Hero's Journey. A green checkmark means you're within ±5% of the target page.