How to use the word counter
- 1Type or paste your text into the box. Counts update as you type.
- 2Read the totals for words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences and paragraphs.
- 3Check the estimated reading and speaking time if you are preparing a talk or article.
- 4Open the keyword list to see which words you use most often.
- 5Use Copy to copy your text back out, or Clear to start again.
How the word counter works
The counter treats a word as any run of letters or numbers separated by spaces or line breaks. Hyphenated words such as "well-known" and contractions such as "don't" count as one word, which matches how most word processors count.
Characters are counted two ways: with spaces, which is what most form fields and social posts limit, and without spaces, which some publishers and translators use for pricing.
Sentences, paragraphs and reading time
A sentence ends with a period, question mark or exclamation mark. A paragraph is any block of text separated by a blank line or a line break.
Reading time is an estimate based on 200 words per minute, and speaking time on 130 words per minute. Real speeds vary a lot from person to person, so treat these as a rough guide when planning a presentation or blog post.
Keyword density
The keyword list shows the words you use most, ignoring very common words such as "the" and "and". It is useful for spotting repetition in an essay or checking that an article stays on topic.
Privacy
Your text is counted inside your browser. It is not uploaded, saved or logged, so you can safely check drafts, assignments and private documents.
Frequently asked questions
Does the word counter count hyphenated words as one word?
Yes. Words joined by a hyphen, such as "part-time", count as one word. Words separated by a dash with spaces around it count separately.
Why is my count slightly different from my word processor?
Different programs treat numbers, URLs, symbols and dashes slightly differently. The difference is usually only a few words in a long document.
Is there a limit on how much text I can paste?
There is no fixed limit. Very long documents of several hundred thousand words may make older phones slow, but typical essays and reports count instantly.
Is my text saved anywhere?
No. Counting happens in your browser and nothing you type is sent to a server. Closing the page clears the text.
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