01 — Ranking
Other free options, ranked
Google Docs word count
docs.google.com
4.5Built-in count (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C) with an optional live counter while you type.
- Best for
- Documents you are already writing in Google Docs.
- Free plan & limits
- Free with a Google account. Shows words, characters and pages. It has no reading time, social limits or keyword density.
Microsoft Word
microsoft.com
4.4Word count in the status bar, with a detailed dialog under Review → Word Count.
- Best for
- Academic and professional documents with footnotes and text boxes.
- Free plan & limits
- Word for the web is free with a Microsoft account. Its counts can be set to include or exclude footnotes and text boxes.
WordCounter.net
wordcounter.net
4.1A long-running online word counter with keyword density and an autosave.
- Best for
- Writers who want the most popular web counter with a few extra stats.
- Free plan & limits
- Free with no account. The site shows ads, and text may be saved in the browser by its autosave feature.
Hemingway Editor
hemingwayapp.com
4.2Readability checker that counts words and grades how easy your text is to read.
- Best for
- Making blog posts and emails easier to read.
- Free plan & limits
- The web version is free. The desktop app and AI features are paid (from about $10/month for AI).
02 — Comparison
Side by side
Scroll sideways to see every tool. The first column stays pinned.
| Feature / Criterion | This counter | Google Docs | WordCounter.net | Hemingway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live count while typing | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Reading and speaking time | Yes | No | Yes | Reading only |
| Social and SEO character limits | Yes | No | No | No |
| Keyword density | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Readability grade | No | No | No | Yes |
| Ads | No | No | Yes | No |
| Text stays on your device | Yes | No (saved to Drive) | Browser storage | Yes |
03 — Guide
How to use a word counter step by step
Paste your text
Paste from any source. The counter treats hyphenated words (well-known) and contractions (don't) as single words, which matches Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
Check the limits that apply to you
X (Twitter) allows 280 characters, SEO titles about 60, meta descriptions about 155, Instagram captions 2,200, and LinkedIn posts about 3,000. Many college essays have a 650-word limit (Common App).
Use reading time for content planning
A 1,500-word article takes about 6–7 minutes to read. For scripts, 150 words is roughly 1 minute of speech, so a 10-minute video needs about 1,500 words.
Review keyword density
Check that your main topic appears naturally, but don't aim for a fixed density. Google has no ideal percentage, and repetition above about 2–3% usually reads as unnatural.
04 — FAQ
Common questions
Do spaces count as characters?
It depends on the platform. Social networks and SMS count spaces. Some essay portals and translation pricing count characters without spaces. This tool shows both.
How many words is a 5-minute speech?
About 650–750 words at a typical 130–150 words per minute. Slower, deliberate speakers manage about 120 words per minute, and fast podcasters 170 or more.
How many pages is 1,000 words?
About 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced in a 12-point font with 1-inch margins.
Is my text saved or uploaded?
No. All counting happens in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server or stored, so you can safely paste drafts, essays or confidential documents.
Scores reflect our own assessment of free-tier value. Prices and limits change, so check them on each provider's site before you buy.