Word count limits are one of the most common marking criteria in academic writing — and the easiest to get wrong. This free word counter counts words, characters, sentences and paragraphs instantly as you type or paste, so you always know exactly where you stand.
It works entirely in your browser: nothing is uploaded, nothing is stored, and there is no sign-up. Paste an essay, a chapter or a paragraph and watch the live counts update as you type.
Any run of characters bounded by whitespace counts as one word, which is the rule Microsoft Word and Google Docs both apply. A hyphenated compound such as "decision-making" counts once; written as two words it counts twice. Numerals, dates and symbols each count as words, so "Section 3.2" adds two.
Different tools can disagree by a word or two on edge cases like em-dashes and ellipses. This almost never matters. What matters is checking against one tool consistently, and confirming the final figure in whatever software your department names if it names one.
Most institutions count everything in the body of the argument and exclude the title page, abstract, contents, reference list and appendices. In-text citations are usually counted; footnotes and tables vary considerably, and some departments count footnotes precisely to stop students hiding argument in them.
The difference is large enough to be worth confirming rather than assuming. A dissertation with a substantial reference list and several appendices can appear thousands of words over if the whole document is counted, and a student who cuts real analysis to compensate has damaged the work for no reason at all.
A margin of about 10% either way is a widespread convention, but it is a convention rather than a right, and a growing number of institutions apply a hard ceiling with an automatic penalty beyond it. Some stop marking at the limit entirely, which means a conclusion past the cut-off is simply not read.
Under-length is penalised too, and more quietly. An essay coming in 30% short has usually not developed its points, and that shows up as thin analysis rather than as a word-count penalty — which is harder to argue about afterwards.
Draft slightly long and cut. Cutting forces you to drop throat-clearing openings, restatements of the previous sentence and evidence that supports a point already proved. Padding to reach a minimum does the reverse, and it is obvious to anyone who marks regularly.
The reliable savings are in phrases carrying no argument: "it is important to note that", "in today's society", "a number of", "the fact that". Removing these typically recovers several hundred words from a 3,000-word essay without losing a single idea, which is usually enough on its own.
Usually not. Most institutions exclude the title page, abstract, contents, references and appendices, and count the body. Footnotes and tables vary, so check your handbook.
About 10% is a common convention, but many institutions apply a hard ceiling with an automatic penalty. Confirm rather than assume.
Yes, though usually indirectly. A markedly short essay has generally not developed its points, which costs marks for thin analysis.
It uses the same whitespace rule, so counts are normally identical or within a word or two on unusual punctuation.
No. Counting happens entirely in your browser and nothing is transmitted or stored.