Work out subtitle reading speed instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Subtitle standards cap reading speed in characters per second - typically 17 for adult content and 13 for children's. Sixty-eight characters in 3.5 seconds is 19.4 cps, above the limit, so the cue needs at least 4 seconds. The equivalent reading rate of about 212 words a minute is near the upper limit of comfortable subtitle reading.
Reading speed
cps = characters / seconds on screen
Minimum duration
seconds = characters / maximum cps
It reflects the reading speed most adult viewers manage while also watching the picture. Netflix uses 17 for adults and 13 for children.
Usually 5/6 of a second, because shorter cues flash too briefly to be read even if the character count is small.