Word Counter
Free word counter: paste text and instantly count words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and reading time. Nothing is uploaded.
The 10-second test: switch off your Wi-Fi (or turn on airplane mode) and use this tool anyway. It keeps working — because there is no server doing the work.
The technical check: open your browser's developer tools, go to the Network tab, and run the tool. Your file is never sent anywhere.
Measured live on this page — files transmitted: 0 · file data sent: 0 bytes
This counter hooks the browser's own networking functions, so it would rise the instant any file data left this page. The only thing this site ever transmits is the contact form, if you choose to send one.
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How to count words in your text
Type or paste your text and every count updates live: words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading time. Ideal for essays with word limits, meta descriptions, tweets, and college applications.
Your text stays in your browser — nothing you paste is ever sent or stored.
What is counted, and how
Words are runs of letters and numbers separated by spaces or punctuation, which is how essay markers, editors and most word processors count them. Hyphenated compounds count as one. Characters are given both with and without spaces, because different limits mean different things — social platforms count everything, while some application forms do not.
Reading time
Estimated at around 200-250 words a minute, typical for an adult reading ordinary prose on screen. Treat it as an approximation: dense technical writing reads considerably slower. It is also not speaking time, which is nearer 130-150 words a minute — useful to know when you are timing a presentation.
Why counts differ between tools
If this disagrees with Word or Google Docs, it is almost always one of three things: whether footnotes, headers and captions are included; how numbers and dates are treated; or how hyphenated and slashed compounds are split. A difference of a percent or two is normal. When a limit is strict, count in whatever tool the person setting the limit will use.
Related tools
Case Converter · Read text from an image · Get text out of a PDF
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
At an average reading speed of 200 words per minute — the standard used by most publishing platforms.
How is a word counted here?
As a run of letters or numbers between spaces or punctuation. Hyphenated compounds count as one word, which matches how most word processors count.
Why does my word processor give a different number?
Usually footnotes, headers and captions being included or excluded, or a different rule for hyphenated words. A percent or two of difference is normal.
Is my pasted text private?
Completely. The counting happens in your browser; the text never leaves your device and disappears when you close the page.
Does it count characters with and without spaces?
Both — useful for platforms with strict character limits like Twitter/X bios or meta descriptions.