Word and character limits are everywhere, essay requirements, meta descriptions, tweets, ad copy, application forms. Knowing exactly where you stand as you write saves a lot of last-minute trimming. You can count words and characters as you type, and the extra stats earn their place too.
What a good word counter tracks
- Words, the classic count for essays and articles.
- Characters, with and without spaces, crucial for strict limits like meta tags (155 chars) and tweets.
- Sentences & paragraphs, a quick read on structure and pacing.
- Reading time, estimated at ~200 words per minute, handy for blog posts.
How to count your text (step by step)
- Open the Word Counter.
- Type or paste your text into the box.
- Read the live stats, they update as you write, no button needed.
Handy limits to remember: SEO title ~60 characters, meta description ~155, tweet 280, Instagram caption 2,200, Google ad headline 30.
Tips
- Write long, then cut, it's easier to trim to a limit than to pad.
- Watch characters, not words, for social and SEO fields.
- Aim for short paragraphs, the paragraph count hints at readability.
Need to reshape the text too? Try the Case Converter or Text Compare.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count words in my text?
Just paste or type into the box above, the word count and every other stat update instantly as you go.
Does it count characters with and without spaces?
Yes. You get both the total character count and the count excluding spaces, which is handy for strict limits.
How is reading time calculated?
It estimates around 200 words per minute, a typical adult reading speed.
Is my text saved or uploaded?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.