How does this tool count words?

It uses the Unicode word rules built into your browser. Words are separated by spaces and punctuation, a contraction such as "don't" is one word, and numbers count as words. Chinese and Japanese are counted by word, not by space, so the number can differ from a simple split on spaces.

Why does my count differ from Word or Google Docs?

Different programs treat hyphens, slashes, numbers and symbols differently. For ordinary English prose the counts are usually the same or within a few words. If you must match a particular program, use its number for the final check.

Are spaces counted in the character total?

Yes. Characters counts everything, including spaces and line breaks, and the next number shows the total without spaces. Each emoji or accented letter counts as one character.

Is my text saved or sent anywhere?

No. The counting happens in your browser, and the text is only kept in this browser so it is there next time. Click Clear to remove it.

Word Counter

Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs, with reading time, keyword density and a length limit.

Text to count

Words: 0
Characters: 0
Characters without spaces: 0
Sentences: 0
Paragraphs: 0
Lines: 0
Reading time: 0 sec
Speaking time: 0 sec

Length limit

Limit

Measured in

0 of 280 characters used, 280 left.

Keyword density

Include common words (the, and, of…)

No keywords yet.

Words follow your browser's Unicode rules, so apostrophes, accents and non-Latin text count correctly. Reading time assumes 238 words per minute and speaking time 150. Your text stays in this browser.

Runs in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

Remember my last input

What is Word Counter?

A word counter tells you how long a piece of writing is. It counts the words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and lines in a text and estimates how long it takes to read or to say aloud. Writers use it to hit an essay length, editors to check a draft, marketers to fit a meta description or a post into a limit, and developers to size a text field.

This word counter and character counter updates as you type and counts the way the browser reads language, using Unicode rules: contractions such as "don't" are one word, accented and non-Latin text counts correctly, and an emoji or a letter with an accent is one character, not two. Characters are shown with and without spaces. A keyword density table lists your most used words with how often each appears and its share of the text, and common words such as "the" and "and" are left out unless you ask for them, so the list shows what the text is about.

Set your own length limit in words or characters, such as 160 for a meta description or 280 for a short post, and a bar shows how much you have left or how far over you are. Reading time assumes 238 words per minute and speaking time 150. Your text never leaves your browser, and it is remembered on this device until you click Clear.

How to use

Type or paste your text into the box, or click Load sample to try it.
Read the counts below it: words, characters with and without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, lines and the time to read or speak it.
Set a limit and choose words or characters to see how much is left, or how far over you are.
Check the keyword density table for the words you use most, and tick the box if you want common words included.
Click Clear when you are done to remove the saved text.

Example

Input

Hello world. How are you?

Output

5 words, 25 characters (22 without spaces), 2 sentences, 1 paragraph, 1 line.

Frequently asked questions

How does this tool count words?: It uses the Unicode word rules built into your browser. Words are separated by spaces and punctuation, a contraction such as "don't" is one word, and numbers count as words. Chinese and Japanese are counted by word, not by space, so the number can differ from a simple split on spaces.
Why does my count differ from Word or Google Docs?: Different programs treat hyphens, slashes, numbers and symbols differently. For ordinary English prose the counts are usually the same or within a few words. If you must match a particular program, use its number for the final check.
Are spaces counted in the character total?: Yes. Characters counts everything, including spaces and line breaks, and the next number shows the total without spaces. Each emoji or accented letter counts as one character.
Is my text saved or sent anywhere?: No. The counting happens in your browser, and the text is only kept in this browser so it is there next time. Click Clear to remove it.