How to use the word counter
Type or paste your text into the box above. The counts update live as you write — there's no button to press and nothing to submit. Your text is processed on your device and is never stored or sent anywhere.
- Paste your draft, essay, or post into the text area.
- Read the live counts below the box: words, characters, sentences and estimated reading time.
- Edit directly in the box — the numbers follow every keystroke.
Why word count matters
Most writing has a target length. College essays and cover letters have strict limits; social platforms cap characters; and search engines favour articles with enough depth to answer a question fully. Knowing your count as you write keeps you inside the limit without a stressful trim at the end.
Common length targets
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
We use an average adult reading speed of 200 words per minute. A 1,000-word article shows as a 5-minute read.
Do spaces count as characters?
Yes — the character count includes spaces, which matches how most platforms (including X and meta descriptions) measure limits.
Is my text stored anywhere?
No. Counting happens entirely on your device. Nothing you type is saved, logged, or transmitted.