Playback Speed Calculator

Calculate how long any video, podcast, or lecture takes at different playback speeds. Enter the total duration and compare watch times across speeds instantly.

Media Type
Original Duration
Number of Items (optional)

Set to more than 1 if you want to calculate the total time for a playlist, course, or podcast series where each item has the same length.

Custom Speed
x

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Instant Speed Comparison

See watch times for 0.75x through 3x side by side. Compare how much time you save at each speed with a single click.

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Works for Any Media

Calculate speeds for YouTube videos, podcasts, online courses, lectures, audiobooks, webinars, and any content with adjustable playback.

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100% Private

All calculations run in your browser. No data is sent to any server. Your viewing habits stay completely private.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does playback speed affect total watch time?
Playback speed directly divides the original duration. At 2x speed, content plays twice as fast, so a 1-hour video takes 30 minutes. At 1.5x, the same video takes 40 minutes. The formula is simple: watch time = original length / playback speed. Slower speeds like 0.75x make content take longer, which is useful for complex material.
What is the best playback speed for learning?
Studies suggest 1.5x is the optimal speed for most educational content. Comprehension stays high while you save a third of your time. For complex or technical material, 1x to 1.25x allows better retention. For review sessions or familiar topics, 1.75x to 2x works well. Start at a comfortable speed and gradually increase.
How much time do I save at 2x speed?
At 2x speed, you save exactly half the original time. A 60-minute lecture becomes 30 minutes. A 20-hour online course becomes 10 hours. Over a full semester with 40 hours of recorded lectures, that saves 20 hours. Even at 1.5x, you save a third, turning those 40 hours into about 27 hours.
What playback speeds do YouTube, Spotify, and other apps support?
YouTube supports 0.25x to 2x (with custom speeds via developer tools). Spotify supports 0.5x to 3.5x for podcasts. Apple Podcasts supports 0.5x to 2x. Audible supports 0.5x to 3.5x. VLC and most desktop video players support 0.25x to 4x or higher. This calculator covers the full range from 0.25x to 4x.
Can I calculate time for a whole playlist or course?
Yes. Use the "Number of Items" field to multiply the duration. If you have 30 lectures that are each 45 minutes long, enter 45 minutes and set items to 30. The calculator will show the total time for all items at each speed. For items with different lengths, enter the total duration directly.