Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs as you type — plus estimated reading and speaking time.
Runs in your browser — nothing is uploadedStatistics
- Words
- 0
- Characters
- 0
- Characters (no spaces)
- 0
- Sentences
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
- Reading time
- 0 sec
- Speaking time
- 0 sec
About Word Counter
Word counts matter more than you might think: essays and assignments have limits, articles are briefed by length, job applications cap personal statements and SEO content is often planned around word count. The Word Counter shows words, characters, sentences and paragraphs as you type, plus estimated reading and speaking time.
Paste text from Word, Google Docs or a web page, or type straight into the box. Counting happens instantly in your browser — your text is never uploaded or stored.
When to use it
- Essays, assignments and theses with strict word limits.
- Blog posts and articles written to a target length.
- Personal statements, scholarship essays and cover letters.
- Speeches and presentations planned by speaking time.
Tips for better results
- Check whether your word limit includes titles, references and footnotes.
- Use the speaking time to plan presentations — about 130 words per minute is a comfortable pace.
- Combine with the Sentence Counter to find sentences that are too long.
How to use the Word Counter
- Type or paste your text into the box.
- Statistics update instantly as you edit.
- Use Copy or Clear when you are done.
Frequently asked questions
How are words counted?
Words are separated by spaces. Hyphenated words and contractions such as "e-mail" and "don't" count as one word, and punctuation on its own is ignored. In Chinese and Japanese text, each character counts as one word.
Is my text stored or uploaded?
No. Counting happens entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to our servers.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time assumes an average silent reading speed of 238 words per minute; speaking time assumes 130 words per minute. Use the Reading Time Calculator to pick a different speed.
Why does my word processor show a different count?
Tools treat hyphenated words, numbers, URLs and symbols slightly differently. Differences are usually small; if your teacher or publisher uses a specific tool, check the final count there.
How many words is a page?
Roughly 500 words single-spaced or 250 words double-spaced, using a 12-point font and standard margins.