CSS voice-rate

The CSS voice-rate property is used in speech media to specify the speaking rate in words per minute.

In other words, the voice-rate property defines how fast the synthesized voice speaks when reading out the content.

Syntax

Possible Values

normal

Specifies that the default rate should be used. What constitutes "default" depends on the speech synthesizer, the language, the dialect, and the personality of voice being used.

x-slow

Extra slow. In English, this is typically around 80 words per minute

slow

Slow. In English, this is typically around 120 words per minute

medium

Medium voice rate. In English, this is typically around 180 - 200 words per minute

fast

Fast. In English, this is typically around 300 words per minute

x-fast

Extra fast. In English, this is typically around 500 words per minute

percentage

Only non-negative percentage values are allowed. This represents a change relative to the given keyword value, or to the default value for the root element, or otherwise to the inherited speaking rate (which may itself be a combination of a keyword value and of a percentage, in which case percentages are combined multiplicatively).

In addition, all CSS properties also accept the following CSS-wide keyword values as the sole component of their property value:

initial

Represents the value specified as the property's initial value.

inherit

Represents the computed value of the property on the element's parent.

unset

This value acts as either inherit or initial, depending on whether the property is inherited or not. In other words, it sets all properties to their parent value if they are inheritable or to their initial value if not inheritable.

General Information

Example Code

Official Specifications

• CSS Speech Module Level 1

Browser Support

Browser support for CSS properties can vary, particularly for newer or experimental features. Check current browser compatibility before using a property in production, especially when supporting older browsers.

Initial Value

CSS properties have an initial value that applies when the property has not been explicitly set. The initial value is different from the value inherited from a parent element and may vary between properties.

Inheritance

Some CSS properties inherit their computed value from their parent element by default, while others do not. The inherit, initial, unset, and revert keywords can also be used to control how a property gets its value.

Vendor Prefixes

Most modern CSS properties use the standard, unprefixed syntax. Vendor-prefixed properties such as -webkit- are mainly relevant to older browser versions or specific features and should only be used when required by your browser support targets.