What this page counts
Six figures update as you type: words, characters with spaces, characters without spaces, sentences, paragraphs and estimated reading time. A word is any run of non-space characters, so a hyphenated term such as "problem-solving" counts once: the same rule Microsoft Word and Google Docs apply, and the same in US, UK, Canadian and Australian English.
How reading time is calculated
We assume 225 words per minute, the average adult silent reading speed for non-technical English. Reading aloud is considerably slower, roughly 130–150 words per minute, which is the figure to use when you are timing a presentation or an interview answer.
Setting a target
Type any number into the word-limit box and the progress bar tracks you against it. A few lengths worth aiming at: a cover letter runs 250–400 words on one page, a resume summary 50–80 words, and a LinkedIn "About" section has a 2,600-character ceiling. If you are writing to a limit a university or admissions portal enforces, check it against the real rules in the essay length checker instead: those limits change, and some of them count characters rather than words. Working to a page requirement rather than a word requirement? Convert it in the words to pages calculator.
Is my text uploaded?
No. Everything is counted in your browser; nothing is sent to our servers.
FAQ
Does the character count include spaces?
Both figures are shown. "Characters" includes spaces, punctuation and line breaks, while "No spaces" strips the spaces only. Platforms differ, so check which one applies: LinkedIn, X and most application text boxes count spaces, and the character counter here matches them.
How do I check the word count of my essay?
Paste the essay into the box above and the word count appears at once, alongside characters, sentences and paragraphs. The rule is the same one Word and Google Docs use: any run of letters or numbers between spaces is a word, so a hyphenated term counts once. Type a limit in the word-limit box to see how far over or under you are.
How is reading time worked out?
At 225 words per minute, the average adult silent reading speed for non-technical English. If you are reading the text aloud, for a presentation or an interview answer, plan on 130 to 150 words per minute instead and time yourself once against the clock.
Is anything I paste here stored or uploaded?
No. The counting runs in JavaScript on your own device. Nothing is sent to our servers, logged or saved, which also means nothing survives closing the tab. Keep your master copy in a document and treat this page as a checker, not a place to draft.