Word Counter
Count words and characters as you type
This free word counter shows the number of words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs in your text as you type, along with estimated reading time, speaking time, and your most-used keywords. Everything runs in your browser. Your text is never uploaded, stored, or seen by anyone else.
How to count words online
- 1Type directly into the editor, or paste text from a document, email, or web page.
- 2Watch the word and character counts update instantly, with full details in the side panel.
- 3Highlight any part of your text to count just that selection.
- 4Change the case with one click, or copy your text or download it as TXT, PDF, or Word (DOCX).
What the word counter measures
Words are counted as runs of characters separated by spaces or line breaks, the same way most word processors count them. Hyphenated words like "well-known" count as one word, and numbers count as words.
Characters are shown two ways: with spaces and without. Use the count with spaces for limits like meta descriptions, social media posts, and SMS messages. Use the count without spaces when a form or style guide asks for characters excluding spaces.
Sentences are counted at periods, question marks, and exclamation marks. Paragraphs are counted at line breaks, so each block of text separated by a new line counts as one paragraph.
Reading time and speaking time
Reading time assumes an average silent reading speed of about 225 words per minute. Speaking time assumes about 135 words per minute, a typical pace for presentations, speeches, and video voice-overs. Both are rounded up to the nearest minute.
These estimates help when you write blog posts that show a "5 min read" label, plan a talk that has to fit a time slot, or script a video of a specific length.
Keyword density at a glance
The Top Keywords panel lists the five words you use most, along with how often each appears. Very short words and common filler words such as "the", "and", and "with" are left out, so the list shows the words that actually describe your content.
Use it to check that an article is focused on its main topic, to spot words you repeat too often, or to make sure an SEO keyword appears naturally without overdoing it.
Private by design
Many online word counters send your text to a server. This one doesn't. The counting, case changes, and file exports all happen inside your browser, so it's safe to use with drafts, client work, essays, and other private documents. Closing or refreshing the page clears your text.
Frequently asked questions
Is this word counter free?
Yes. It's free to use and doesn't need an account.
Is my text saved or uploaded anywhere?
No. Your text is processed entirely in your browser and is never sent to a server. When you close or refresh the page, it's gone.
Does it count characters with and without spaces?
Yes. The details panel shows both counts, so you can match whichever limit you're working with.
Can I count words in just part of my text?
Yes. Highlight any part of your text, and the counter shows the words, characters, and other stats for that selection alone.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is based on an average of about 225 words per minute, and speaking time on about 135 words per minute. Both are rounded up to the nearest minute.
Can I download my text?
Yes. You can download your text as a plain text file (.txt), a PDF, or a Word document (.docx). The files are created in your browser.
Why might my count differ slightly from Microsoft Word or Google Docs?
Each tool treats things like dashes, symbols, and URLs a little differently. This counter splits words on spaces and line breaks, which matches standard word processors for normal prose.