Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs as you type, and see how long your text takes to read.
Statistics
Your text is counted in your browser and is never uploaded or stored.
How to use the Word Counter
- Type or paste your text into the box. The statistics update as you type.
- Read the word, character, sentence, and paragraph counts below the box.
- Choose a reading speed if you want a slower or faster time estimate.
- Use “Copy statistics” to copy all the numbers, “Copy text” to copy your text, or “Download TXT” to save it as a file.
What does this Word Counter measure?
The tool reports seven numbers. Here is exactly how each one is counted, so you can compare the result with your own requirements.
| Statistic | How it is counted |
|---|---|
| Words | Groups of letters or numbers separated by spaces or line breaks. Contractions (don’t) and hyphenated words (well-known) count as one word. Each Chinese or Japanese character counts as one word. |
| Characters | Every character, including spaces, punctuation, and line breaks. In current browsers an emoji counts as one character. |
| Characters (no spaces) | The same count with spaces, tabs, and line breaks removed. |
| Sentences | Text that ends with . ! ? … or the full-width marks 。！？ A final sentence without end punctuation still counts. |
| Paragraphs | Each non-empty line of text. Blank lines are ignored, so extra empty lines do not add paragraphs. |
| Reading time | Word count divided by the reading speed you select. The default is 238 words per minute. |
| Speaking time | Word count divided by 130 words per minute, a common pace for speeches and voiceovers. |
Sentence counts are an estimate. Abbreviations such as “e.g.” or “Dr.” can be read as the end of a sentence, so check the number if it matters.
Why is word count important?
Length is a requirement in many kinds of writing. Essays and applications often have a minimum or maximum. Articles are planned around a target length. Meta descriptions, product titles, and social posts have character limits. Freelance writers and translators are often paid per word. Checking the count while you write is faster than finding out you are over the limit at the end.
Word count also helps you judge pacing. A speech that runs 1,300 words will take about ten minutes at an average speaking pace, and a 1,000-word article takes roughly four minutes to read.
Who can benefit from a Word Counter?
- Students checking essays, reports, and assignments against a length requirement.
- Writers and bloggers tracking progress and keeping drafts to a target length.
- Content marketers and SEO specialists planning article length and keeping titles and descriptions within character limits.
- Editors and proofreaders confirming a piece fits its slot before it goes to print or publication.
- Translators and freelancers estimating a job or an invoice that is priced per word.
- Speakers timing a talk or script with the speaking time estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count words in a text?
Paste or type the text into the box above. The word count appears right away and updates as you edit.
Does this Word Counter count punctuation?
Punctuation marks are not counted as words, and a dash or symbol on its own is ignored. Punctuation is included in the character count.
Are spaces included in the character count?
Yes. “Characters” includes spaces and line breaks. “Characters (no spaces)” leaves them out, so you can use whichever one your requirement refers to.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is the word count divided by a reading speed in words per minute. The default is 238 words per minute, and you can switch to a slower or faster speed. It is an estimate, because real reading speed depends on the reader and the text.
Can I count words in a PDF or Word document?
Open the document, copy the text, and paste it into the box. Uploading PDF or Word files directly is not supported yet.
Is this Word Counter free?
Yes. It is free to use as often as you like, with no sign-up.
Is my text stored or uploaded anywhere?
No. All counting happens in your browser, and your text is never sent to a server.
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