Before you field
Survey completion time estimator
Estimate survey length from question types and reading load. Get a transparent planning range before testing with real participants.
No login required. Calculations run in your browser.
Count questions from an existing survey
Upload a Qualtrics .qsf or a Plumeform export and every question is counted for you. The file is read in this browser and never uploaded.
Planning estimate
6.3 min
Allow roughly 4.7–9.4 minutes, then check with a pilot.
Count only the questions each participant sees. Count each matrix row as a rating item. Include instructions, question wording, and answer options in the reading total.
How this tool works
This planning estimate assumes 200 words read per minute, plus 10 seconds per choice question, 6 seconds per rating item, 20 seconds per short written answer, and 60 seconds per long written answer. It adds reading and answering time. Check the estimate with a pilot.
The displayed range is 75% to 150% of that estimate. It is an allowance for planning, not a statistical confidence interval. For example, 6 choice questions, 10 rating items, 3 short answers, 1 long answer, and 200 words produce a five-minute estimate.
Do not count a matrix as a single item: count its rows. Model each branch separately. Uploads, consent, video, calculations, sensitive recall, and time locks can add substantial time beyond this model. Pilot on the devices and with the audience you intend to recruit before promising a completion time.
For practical background on pretesting, see Pew Research Center’s question-writing guidance.
A useful next step
Use timing as one signal alongside attention and answer content.
Shorter, clearer wording can reduce the time needed to answer.
Start with written questions, then tailor the length to your audience.
Start
Put it into practice in your next survey.
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