When this tool helps
- Check an article or assignment length
- Fit copy into a character limit
- Estimate reading time before publishing
TEXT
Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences and reading time.
Runs locallyNothing is uploaded
PRACTICAL GUIDE
How to use Word Counter
Last reviewed
Count words, characters, sentences and estimated reading time directly as text changes. The counters are designed for practical editing, where punctuation and whitespace should not become words on their own.
How to use it
- Paste or type text
- Read the live word and character totals
- Compare character counts with and without spaces
- Edit until the target length is reached
Counting a short paragraph
- Input
- A 200-word introduction
- Result
- 200 words plus character, sentence and reading-time estimates
Reading time is an estimate based on a fixed average pace, not an accessibility assessment.
Limits and assumptions
- Word boundaries differ between languages and writing systems
- Sentence punctuation is a heuristic
- Reading speed varies by reader and material
Frequently asked questions
Are spaces counted as characters?
The tool reports character totals both with and without spaces.
Is reading time exact?
No. It is a planning estimate based on an average reading pace.
Is pasted text uploaded?
No. Counting runs in the current browser page.