Word Counter
Free online tool to count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs in real-time
Additional Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the word counter work?
Our word counter analyzes your text in real-time as you type. It counts words by splitting text on whitespace, characters including spaces and punctuation, sentences by detecting end punctuation marks, and paragraphs by identifying line breaks. The tool runs entirely in your browser for instant results.
What counts as a word?
A word is defined as any sequence of characters separated by spaces. This includes hyphenated words (counted as one word), numbers, and acronyms. Punctuation attached to words is included as part of the word.
Is my text stored or saved?
No, your text is never uploaded to our servers. All counting happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your privacy is completely protected - we cannot see or store any text you enter.
What is reading time based on?
Reading time is calculated using an average reading speed of 200 words per minute, which is the typical rate for adults reading standard text. Speaking time uses 130 words per minute, which is the average speaking pace.
Can I use this for academic essays?
Yes! This word counter is perfect for tracking word counts in essays, research papers, and assignments. It provides accurate counts that match most academic requirements. However, always verify with your specific institution's requirements as counting methods can vary slightly.