Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs, with reading and speaking time.
Words
0
- Words
- 0
- Characters
- 0
- Characters without spaces
- 0
- Sentences
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
- Lines
- 0
- Size in UTF-8 bytes
- 0
- Reading time
- 0 sec
- Speaking time
- 0 sec
Paste or type your text and the counts update as you go: words, characters with and without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading and speaking time. A short list of your most-used words helps you spot repetition.
Your text stays in your browser and is not saved unless you copy it somewhere.
How word counter works
A word is any run of characters separated by whitespace, which is how most word processors count. Sentences are counted from terminal punctuation, and paragraphs from blocks separated by blank lines.
Reading time uses 238 words per minute, the average for adults reading non-fiction silently in one large review of reading research. Speaking time uses 130 words per minute, a comfortable pace for a presentation. Individual speeds vary a lot.
The formula
Reading time (min) = words ÷ 238
Speaking time (min) = words ÷ 130Different tools count hyphenated words, numbers and URLs slightly differently, so counts can differ by a few words.
Worked example: a 1,500-word article
Reading time: 1,500 ÷ 238 = 6.3 minutes, so about 6 minutes.
Speaking time: 1,500 ÷ 130 = 11.5 minutes.
At 500 words per page single-spaced, it is about three pages.
When to use this tool
- Checking an essay, assignment or application against a word limit.
- Sizing blog posts, emails and product descriptions.
- Timing a speech or a video script.
- Finding overused words in a draft.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trusting one tool's count when a strict limit applies. Confirm with the system that enforces it.
- Counting characters when the limit is in words, or the reverse.
- Forgetting that footnotes, references or headings may or may not count towards a limit.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the word counter work?
- It splits text on whitespace and counts the pieces that contain letters or digits. Characters, sentences and paragraphs are counted with simple rules.
- How is reading time estimated?
- By dividing the word count by 238 words per minute, an average silent reading speed for adults. Your own speed may be faster or slower.
- Is my text stored or sent anywhere?
- No. The counting happens in your browser.
- How many words fit on a page?
- Around 500 for single-spaced 12-point text and 250 to 300 for double-spaced, depending on font and margins.
Learn more
Related tools
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Results are for information only and are not financial, legal or medical advice. The calculation logic is covered by automated tests, and examples on this page are worked out and re-checked before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.