Subtitle Character Counter
Type or paste a subtitle, set how long it stays on screen, and see whether each line is too long and whether it's too fast to read.
The two numbers that matter
Characters per line (CPL) is how wide a line gets. 42 is the common limit for English, used by Netflix among others; longer lines run off small screens or force viewers to move their eyes too far.
Characters per second (CPS) is reading speed: the subtitle's characters divided by how long it's on screen. 17 CPS is a comfortable pace for most viewers; Netflix allows up to 20 for adult programmes. If a subtitle is too fast, the counter shows the minimum time it needs on screen.
Spaces and punctuation count as characters. Line breaks don't.
Common limits
Netflix (English, adult)
- Max per line
- 42 characters
- Max reading speed
- 20 CPS
Netflix (English, children)
- Max per line
- 42 characters
- Max reading speed
- 17 CPS
Comfortable default
- Max per line
- 42 characters
- Max reading speed
- 17 CPS
| Max per line | Max reading speed | |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (English, adult) | 42 characters | 20 CPS |
| Netflix (English, children) | 42 characters | 17 CPS |
| Comfortable default | 42 characters | 17 CPS |
Built for subtitlers
Per-line check
Each line is counted and flagged on its own.
Reading speed
Shows CPS and the minimum time on screen.
Your limits
Set any max line length and reading speed.
Frequently
Asked Questions
How many characters should a subtitle line have?
42 is the usual maximum for English, with no more than two lines per subtitle.
What is a good reading speed for subtitles?
Around 17 characters per second. Up to 20 is accepted for adult viewers; slower is better for children.
Do spaces count?
Yes. Spaces and punctuation count; line breaks don't.
Is my text uploaded?
No. It's counted in your browser and nothing is stored.