Have you ever trimmed a draft to fit a word limit, then pasted it into a form and got a different number? Before cutting another paragraph, check that both counters are counting the same text.
If you need a quick total for text that is not in a document, use the Serynix word counter. If your draft is already open in Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you can check the count there too.
How to count words online
An online word counter is handy for an email draft, application answer, article, or any text you want to check without opening a full document.
- Copy the exact text you need to count.
- Paste it into the word counter.
- Check the total, then compare it with the limit in your instructions.
If only one part of your writing has a limit, copy just that section. Counting the whole document can give you the wrong answer if the form asks for a single response or essay section.
The Serynix word counter processes pasted text in your browser without uploading it to a server. For other online counters, check how they handle pasted text before entering customer details, personal information, or unpublished work. Use your writing app's built-in count when you are unsure.
How to count words in Google Docs
On a computer, open your document and choose Tools > Word count. Google's word count instructions (opens in a new tab) explain the full-document and selection counts. Google Docs shows the number of words, characters, and pages. If you want a running total while you write, turn on Display word count while typing in that same window.
To count one paragraph or section, select it first, then open Word count. On Android, open the document, tap More, then tap Word count.
There is one detail that can catch people out: Google Docs does not include headers, footers, or footnotes in the full document count by default. If your assignment or submission rules include them, check those parts separately or follow the counter specified by the organisation.
How to check word count in Microsoft Word
In Word, look at the status bar at the bottom of the document. To count a particular passage, select the text first. Word shows the count for your selection as well as the full document. Click the word count for more details, such as characters and paragraphs. Microsoft's word count guide (opens in a new tab) covers the desktop and web versions.
The steps are much the same in Word for the web. If the count is not visible, check that you are in Editing view.
What should you include in a word count?
The instructions decide. A school assignment may have rules about headings, quotations, or references. A job application may count only the text in each answer box. A publisher may give its own definition of an article's word count.
Read the rule before you edit. If it says “500 words maximum” but does not explain what is included, ask the person or organisation receiving the work. That is safer than assuming every app counts the same parts.
Word count and character count are different
A word count tells you how many words are in the text. A character count measures letters, numbers, punctuation, and sometimes spaces. If a form gives you a character limit, checking only the words will not tell you whether the text fits.
Also check whether the limit includes spaces. A field with a 200-character maximum can count differently from one that allows 200 characters without spaces.
A quick check before you submit
- Count the text covered by the limit, not automatically the whole document.
- Check whether the instructions include headings, references, or footnotes.
- If the limit is in characters, check characters rather than words.
- Recheck after your final edit. Adding one sentence changes the count.
For a fast check outside Docs or Word, open the Serynix word counter and paste the text you plan to submit. A quick count now is easier than discovering a limit problem after you press send.
Frequently asked questions
Why do two word counters show different totals?
They may include different parts of the document or split punctuation differently. First check that you pasted the same text into both. If a school, employer or publisher specifies a particular counter, use that result and its rules for headings, references and footnotes.
How do I count just one paragraph?
Select the paragraph before opening Word count in Google Docs or checking the status bar in Word. For the Serynix word counter, paste only that paragraph. This helps you check a single answer without accidentally counting the rest of your document.
Does the Serynix word counter upload my text?
No. The counter processes the text in your browser instead of uploading it to a server. You can check words and characters without creating an account. When using other online counters, check their privacy information before pasting personal information or confidential work.
