Save the Cat Beat Sheet Calculator
Calculate beat sheet page numbers for any screenplay length
Total Pages / Minutes
What Is the Save the Cat Beat Sheet?
The Save the Cat beat sheet is a screenplay structure framework developed by screenwriter Blake Snyder. It breaks a screenplay into 15 key story beats, each occurring at a specific percentage of the total page count. Our calculator maps these beats to any screenplay length.
The 15 Save the Cat Beats
| # | Beat | Page % (110pp) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening Image | p. 1 |
| 2 | Theme Stated | p. 5-6 |
| 3 | Set-Up | pp. 1-10 |
| 4 | Catalyst | p. 12 |
| 5 | Debate | pp. 12-25 |
| 6 | Break Into Two | p. 25 |
| 7 | B Story | p. 30 |
| 8 | Fun & Games | pp. 25-55 |
| 9 | Midpoint | p. 55 |
| 10 | Bad Guys Close In | pp. 55-75 |
| 11 | All Is Lost | p. 75 |
| 12 | Dark Night of the Soul | pp. 75-85 |
| 13 | Break Into Three | p. 85 |
| 14 | Finale | pp. 85-110 |
| 15 | Final Image | p. 110 |
FAQs
What is the Save the Cat method?
Save the Cat is a screenplay structure methodology by Blake Snyder, outlined in his book of the same name. It provides a prescriptive 15-beat template designed to ensure a commercially viable narrative arc. It’s widely used in Hollywood and by indie screenwriters worldwide.
Is Save the Cat only for screenplays?
No — the beat sheet is also applied to novels, TV pilots, and short stories. The percentage-based structure adapts to any length. Enter your word count or chapter count in the calculator above to generate beats for non-screenplay formats.
Conclusion
Use our Save the Cat beat sheet calculator to instantly map all 15 beats to your screenplay’s specific page count. It’s the fastest way to structure your story or diagnose pacing problems in a draft. Bookmark this page and use it every time you start a new project.
Are you a Save the Cat fan? Share your thoughts in the comments!