Audiobook Speed Calculator

By CalculatorBolt Team | Published: | Updated: | Reviewed by: Gaming & Entertainment Editor

Calculate audiobook listening time at different speeds. Enter original duration and playback speed. Get new listening time and time saved. Informational only—verify with your audiobook player.

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Must be ≥ 0
Must be 0-59
Must be 0-59
Enter the total audiobook duration
x
Most audiobook apps support 0.5x to 3.0x (e.g., 1.5x = 50% faster)
Must be > 0

Results

New Listening Time

--:--:--

Time Saved

--:--:--

Parameter Value

Preset Audiobooks

Speed Presets

Export/Import

How it works

New Listening Time = Original Duration / Playback Speed. We convert the original duration to seconds, divide by the speed, and then convert back to HH:MM:SS format. The time saved is simply the difference between the original duration and the new listening time.

Total Seconds = (Hours × 3600) + (Minutes × 60) + Seconds
New Time (sec) = Total Seconds / Playback Speed
Time Saved = Total Seconds - New Time

Inputs explained

Original Duration
The total length of the audiobook in hours, minutes, and seconds.
Playback Speed
The speed multiplier (e.g., 1.5x means 50% faster). Most audiobook apps support 0.5x to 3.0x speeds.

Example

Scenario: You have a 10-hour audiobook and want to listen at 1.5x speed.

  • Original Duration: 10h 0m 0s (36,000 seconds)
  • Playback Speed: 1.5x
  • New Listening Time: 36,000 / 1.5 = 24,000 seconds = 6h 40m 0s
  • Time Saved: 36,000 - 24,000 = 12,000 seconds = 3h 20m 0s

By listening at 1.5x speed, you save 3 hours and 20 minutes!

Tips & notes

  • Most audiobook apps (Audible, Libby, Overdrive) support variable playback speed.
  • Listening at higher speeds can save time but may affect comprehension for some listeners.
  • Find a speed that is comfortable for you. Start at 1.25x and gradually increase if you're comfortable.
  • Some apps use pitch correction to maintain the original pitch even at higher speeds.
  • Fiction audiobooks are generally easier to listen to at higher speeds than non-fiction.
  • At 2.0x speed, you can finish a book in half the time, but it may sound very fast.

FAQs

Divide the original duration by the playback speed. For example, a 10-hour audiobook at 1.5x speed will take 6 hours and 40 minutes to complete.

It varies by person. 1.25x to 1.5x is common for many listeners. Start at 1.25x and gradually increase if you're comfortable.

Some apps use pitch correction to maintain the original pitch at higher speeds. Check your audiobook player's settings.

At 1.5x speed, you save 33% of the time. A 10-hour book takes only 6h 40m, saving 3h 20m.

Listening at higher speeds can save time but may affect comprehension for some listeners. Find a speed that is comfortable for you and doesn't sacrifice understanding.

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Disclaimer

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