Screenplay page count is the practical shorthand for runtime: the industry standard is 1 page ≈ 1 minute of screen time in a properly formatted script. A 100-page feature film script should produce approximately a 100-minute film. Use this calculator to convert pages to runtime or to find your target page count from a desired length.
Convert Pages ↔ Runtime
Result
Format Reference
| Format | Pages | Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Short film | 5–40 | 5–40 min |
| Half-hour TV (broadcast) | 22–28 | 21–26 min |
| One-hour TV drama (broadcast) | 42–52 | 42–52 min |
| Streaming limited series episode | 45–65 | 45–65 min |
| Feature film (standard) | 90–120 | 90–120 min |
| Feature film (epic/prestige) | 120–160 | 120–180 min |
How to Use the Screenplay Page Count Calculator
The 1 page = 1 minute rule is a useful heuristic, not a law. It assumes a standard-formatted screenplay: Courier 12pt font, 1-inch margins all around, with typical mix of action lines and dialogue. Heavily formatted scripts (lots of white space, short scenes) or very dense scripts (long dialogue exchanges, detailed action) will deviate from this ratio.
Why Page Count Matters to Agents and Studios
Executives and producers use page count as a quick filter before reading. A 150-page spec script signals the writer doesn't understand industry conventions — even if the story is good. A 75-page feature suggests underdeveloped story. The sweet spot for unproduced spec scripts is 95–115 pages. This immediately signals professional awareness before a single line is read.
Calculating Page Targets for TV Writers
For TV writers, page count is dictated by network and time slot. Broadcast half-hour comedies run 22–26 minutes of actual content (6–8 minutes of commercials); target 22–28 pages. One-hour dramas run 42–44 minutes; target 45–55 pages. Streaming has looser constraints — Netflix originals routinely run 55–75 minute episodes, giving writers more flexibility.
FAQ
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How many pages is a feature film screenplay?
Feature film screenplays typically run 90–120 pages. The standard rule is 1 page = approximately 1 minute of screen time in properly formatted scripts. Action-heavy scripts run shorter (85–100 pages) because action lines read fast on screen. Dialogue-heavy dramas can reach 120–130 pages without feeling bloated.
How long should a TV pilot script be?
TV pilot length varies by format: 30-minute comedies are typically 25–35 pages; 60-minute dramas run 45–65 pages; limited series/prestige TV can run 50–70 pages per episode. Streaming platforms (Netflix, HBO) are looser on page counts than broadcast networks, which have strict time slot requirements.
Does 1 page really equal 1 minute?
It's a useful approximation but not exact. A page of pure action lines reads faster on screen (0.5–0.75 min/page). A page of rapid dialogue also reads fast. A page with slow, deliberate scene description can run 1.5 minutes or more. The 1:1 rule assumes properly formatted scripts using Courier 12pt with standard margins.
What is the shortest acceptable feature film length?
Most film festivals define 'feature film' as 40 minutes or longer, though major festivals typically require 60+ minutes. The Academy Awards definition for feature film is 40+ minutes. Commercial theatrical releases are almost always 80+ minutes — distributors prefer 90–120 minutes for most genres. Under 80 pages for a feature usually needs tightening or has pacing issues.
How many pages should a short film be?
Short films run 1–40 minutes by most definitions. Common lengths: festival shorts 5–15 minutes (5–15 pages), online/YouTube shorts 3–8 minutes (3–8 pages), student films 5–20 minutes (5–20 pages). Under 5 pages (5 minutes) is a micro-short. The sweet spot for festival submission success is 10–15 minutes.