How to use it
Type or paste your text into the box. Every count updates as you go. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere, so it is safe for essays, cover letters and work documents.
How it counts
- Words are runs of letters or numbers. "Don't" and "part-time" count as one word each. Numbers like 2026 count as words.
- Characters count what you see, so an emoji or an accented letter such as "ñ" is one character.
- Sentences end at a full stop, question mark, exclamation mark or ellipsis.
- Paragraphs are separated by an empty line.
- Reading time uses 238 words a minute, the average for adults reading silently. Speaking time uses 140 words a minute, a comfortable pace for a talk.
Common word limits
| Writing | Usual length |
|---|---|
| College application essay | 250–650 words |
| Cover letter | 250–400 words |
| A 5-minute speech | about 700 words |
| Blog post | 800–2,000 words |
| Abstract | 150–300 words |
Common questions
Why is my count different from Microsoft Word or Google Docs?
Each program splits words a little differently, mostly around dashes, slashes and numbers. The difference is usually a few words in a thousand.
Do spaces count as characters?
In the main character count, yes. The "Without spaces" count leaves them out, which some forms and publishers ask for.
Last checked: 2026-09-25