Assignment limits
Check an essay, abstract, or discussion post against a word cap before you start cutting arguments instead of filler.
Instant and local
Free Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs, and see an estimated reading time. The numbers update as you type. Nothing is sent to a server.
Count as you type
The count stays in your browser. A line break starts a new paragraph.
- Words
- 0
- Characters
- 0
- Characters, no spaces
- 0
- Sentences
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
- Reading time
- 0 min
Reading time uses 200 words per minute.
How it works
01
Words
A word is a stretch of text separated by whitespace. Hyphenated terms count as one word. Numbers count as words.
02
Characters, sentences, paragraphs
Characters include spaces, and a second count leaves spaces out. Sentences split on periods, question marks, and exclamation marks. A new line starts a paragraph.
03
Reading time
The estimate uses 200 words per minute, a common silent-reading pace. It is a planning number, not a test of your reader.
When to use it
Application forms
Some forms count characters and some count words. Both numbers are on the page so you can match the field you were given.
Reading time for a handout
Teachers and editors can see whether a page is a two-minute read or a ten-minute one.
Limits and accuracy
- Abbreviations such as “Dr.” can occasionally be counted as a sentence ending.
- A hard line break counts as a new paragraph, even if you only wrapped the line.
- Reading time ignores tables, images, and how familiar the reader is with the subject.
- The counter runs in your browser. The text stays on this page.
Examples
A 250-word abstract
Paste the abstract and watch the word count. If you are over, cut a clause that repeats the title before you cut a result.
A character-limited bio
Use the character count without spaces when the form is tight, and the count with spaces when the form includes them. The page shows both.
Questions about this tool
No. Counting happens in your browser. There is no account and no upload for this tool.
Under the limit, and still sounds like a template?
Word count will not fix voice. When the draft fits and still reads as generic, the humanizer rewrites it for a specific audience.