Word Counter
Type or paste text and get a live count of words, characters, sentences and paragraphs — everything updates as you type, entirely in your browser (nothing is uploaded). Reading-time estimate included, using the standard 225 words per minute.
Essay word limits, tweet and meta-description character limits, abstract minimums, cover-letter lengths — every writing context has a number attached. This counter gives you that number without the clutter of a full editor.
How to use
- Paste your text into the box — statistics update on every keystroke.
- Check words against your limit; check characters-with-spaces for platforms that count them.
- Clear the box to start over; your text never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count words?
Words are sequences of characters separated by whitespace. 'Don't' is one word; 'state-of-the-art' is one word; numbers count as words. This matches how Word and Google Docs count.
Do characters include spaces?
We show both: characters with spaces (used by most platforms like Twitter/X) and without spaces (used in some academic contexts). Check which one your limit refers to.
How many words is a 5 minute speech?
About 700 words at the standard speaking pace of 140 words per minute. Use the reading-time figure on this page with the speaking rate for rehearsal.
Is my text uploaded anywhere?
No. The counting runs entirely in your browser with JavaScript — nothing is transmitted, stored or logged. You can disconnect from the internet and it still works.