Audiobook Speed Calculator
Adjust playback speed to learn how many hours (or days) you can save and when you’ll finish your next listen.
Length at 1.0×: 12 hours 30 minutes
At current speed: 12 hours 30 minutes
At target speed: 8 hours 20 minutes
Time saved: 4 hours 10 minutes (33.3% faster)
Finish time at current speed: 12.50 day(s)
Finish time at target speed: 8.33 day(s)
How to Use This Calculator
Enter audiobook length
Use publisher info or your player’s estimate. Include both hours and minutes for accuracy.
Set current and target speeds
Compare your typical speed with a faster or slower target to see how time changes.
Plan your schedule
Add daily listening minutes to see how many days the book takes at each speed.
Formula
Base Minutes = (Hours × 60) + Minutes
Minutes at Speed = Base Minutes ÷ Playback Speed
Days to Finish = Minutes at Speed ÷ Daily Minutes
Example: 12h 30m → 750 minutes. At 1.5× → 500 minutes → 8h 20m total listening time.
Why Playback Speed Matters
Adjusting playback speed lets you finish more books without sacrificing comprehension. Many narrators remain clear at 1.3–1.8× speed.
- Align listening time with commute lengths or workouts.
- Catch up on book club picks before the next meeting.
- Reduce backlog by optimizing your average speed.
- Experiment to find the fastest rate you can still enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What speeds do most players support?
Most apps offer 0.5×–3.0× in 0.05 or 0.1 increments. Use the slider that matches your platform.
Is faster always better?
No. Increase gradually and ensure comprehension remains high—especially for dense nonfiction.
How precise is daily minutes?
Enter your typical listening time; the calculator divides minutes evenly to estimate days to completion.
Can I account for rewinds?
Yes—add extra minutes to the base length or reduce the daily minutes to reflect rewinding.