Word Counter

Whether you are writing an essay with a 1,500-word limit, a cover letter that must fit on one page or a blog post aimed at a particular length, an accurate word count saves time. This counter shows words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, average word and sentence length, reading time and speaking time as you type, and lists the keywords you use most.

Common uses

• Check essays, assignments and personal statements against word limits.
• Estimate how long a speech, podcast script or presentation will take to deliver.
• Keep blog posts, product descriptions and newsletters at a target length.
• Spot overused words with the keyword density list before you publish.

Tips for best results

• Paste plain text for the most accurate count; formatting from word processors is ignored anyway.
• Adjust reading speed for your audience – technical readers are slower than casual readers.
• Use the average sentence length to judge readability; 15–20 words is comfortable for most readers.
• Check keyword density to avoid stuffing the same phrase into SEO copy.

Reading and speaking time explained

Reading time uses an average silent reading speed of about 238 words per minute, the figure found in a large 2019 review of reading studies for adult readers of English non-fiction. Speaking time uses about 140 words per minute, a typical pace for presentations and podcasts. Both speeds can be changed in the options, so you can match a slower conference talk, a fast-paced video script or readers working in a second language.

Word limits around the world

Academic systems treat limits differently. UK universities often allow 10% over or under the stated count, many US college application essays have hard caps (the Common App personal statement allows 650 words), and journals in Europe and Asia usually count abstracts separately. Footnotes, references and headings may or may not be included, so always check the guidance you were given. Paste only the parts that count to see exactly where you stand.

Keyword density for writers and SEO

The keyword list ignores common short words such as “the” and “and” and shows how often each meaningful word appears as a percentage of the total. Search engines reward natural writing, so if one keyword makes up more than 2–3% of a short article, try synonyms or rephrasing. The list is also useful for editors who want to catch repetition.