Word Counter
Type or paste text to count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs as you write, with reading and speaking time. Your text stays in your browser.
Common word counts
| Writing | Typical length |
|---|---|
| Tweet / X post | 280 characters |
| Meta description | 150–160 characters |
| Common App personal essay | 650 words max |
| Cover letter | 250–400 words |
| Blog post | 1,000–2,000 words |
| Short story | 1,000–7,500 words |
| Novel | 70,000–100,000 words |
Words are counted as runs of characters separated by spaces or line breaks, the same way most word processors count. Reading time assumes 238 words a minute, the average adult silent reading speed for non-fiction; speaking time assumes 130 words a minute, a comfortable presentation pace.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650 words at a typical 130 words per minute. Slower, more deliberate speakers average 100–120 words a minute.
How many pages is 1,000 words?
About 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.
Do numbers and hyphenated words count as words?
Here, anything between spaces counts as one word, so '2026' is one word and 'well-known' is one word, matching Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Is my text saved or uploaded?
No. Counting happens in your browser and nothing is sent to a server or stored.