How to Count Words in a Google Doc
Google Docs has a built-in word counter — but it only shows total word count. For character count, reading time, sentence count, and average word length, a standalone word counter gives you more. Here's both methods.
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Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Use Google Docs built-in word count
In Google Docs, go to Tools → Word count (or press Ctrl+Shift+C / Cmd+Shift+C on Mac). This shows total words, characters with and without spaces, and page count.
- 2
Enable word count display in the toolbar
Check 'Display word count while typing' in the Word count dialog to show a live counter in the bottom left of your document.
- 3
For more stats, copy and paste your text
Select all (Ctrl+A), copy, then paste into the free word counter tool for character count, reading time estimate, sentence count, and paragraph count.
- 4
Check reading time
The word counter shows estimated reading time based on 200–250 words per minute — useful for blog posts, speeches, and timed writing tasks.
- 5
Check character limits
For Twitter, LinkedIn, meta descriptions, or SMS limits, the character counter shows counts with and without spaces.
Who This Is For
Writers and bloggers
Hitting word count targets for blog posts, articles, or essays — and estimating reading time for readers.
Students
Verifying essays meet assignment word count requirements before submission.
Content marketers
Checking character counts for meta titles, meta descriptions, and social media captions that have strict character limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the keyboard shortcut for word count in Google Docs?
Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+C on Mac. This opens the Word count dialog showing words, characters with spaces, and characters without spaces.
Does Google Docs count words in headers and footers?
By default, Google Docs does not count words in headers, footers, or footnotes. The word count reflects body text only.
How do I count characters in Google Docs?
Google Docs shows character count in the Word count dialog (Tools → Word count). For more detail — characters per paragraph, average word length, or reading time — paste your text into a standalone word counter tool.