Word Counter
Live word, sentence, and paragraph counts, plus estimated reading time.
Count words as you type
This word counter tallies your words the moment you type or paste, along with sentences, paragraphs and an estimated reading time. It is built for writers checking an assignment limit, students hitting a minimum word count, and anyone drafting a post, bio or article to a target length.
More than just a word count
The reading time estimate uses an average pace of about 200 words per minute, a common benchmark, so treat it as a rough guide rather than a promise. Sentences are counted by looking for full stops, question marks and exclamation marks, and paragraphs are counted by the blank lines between blocks of text.
How to count words online
Type straight into the box or paste text you already have. All four counts update instantly with no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
Does a hyphenated word count as one word or two?
A word like well-known counts as one, because it is treated as a single run of characters with no space in it.
Why does the sentence count look off for a list?
The counter looks for sentence-ending punctuation. Bullet points and headings without full stops will not be split into separate sentences.
Is my writing private?
Yes. The counting happens in your browser and nothing you type is uploaded or stored.