Text tool
Word Counter
The Word Counter counts words, characters, and estimated reading time as you type or paste text. It is the quick check writers reach for before publishing or submitting.
Counting runs locally in your browser — your text never leaves your device.
Privacy & data handling
Browser processingThis tool processes your input locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to a server or sent to an external service.
Interactive tool
Word Counter
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Overview
What does Word Counter do?
Type or paste your text and the tool reports the word count, the character count, and the estimated reading time based on an average adult reading speed of 200 words per minute.
The numbers update as you type, so you can watch a draft grow to its target length.
Under the hood
How does it work?
The tool trims the text, splits it on whitespace to count words, and counts characters including spaces. Reading minutes are estimated by dividing the word count by 200 and rounding up, with a floor of one minute for any non-empty text.
Key features
Features of Word Counter
Use cases
When should you use Word Counter?
Meeting length limits
Check an essay or article against a word limit before submitting.
Blog and SEO writing
Watch your draft grow toward a target length as you write.
Estimating reading time
Tell readers how long your post takes with an accurate minute estimate.
Step-by-step
How to use Word Counter
- Step 1
Start typing or paste your text.
- Step 2
Word count, character count, and reading time update instantly.
- Step 3
Use the copy button to grab your text.
Real example
Example
Before (input)
Counting words helps you meet limits and plan reading time.
After (count)
10 words • 57 characters • 1 min read
Word, character, and reading-time counts update as you type.
Technical information
How the details work
Words are counted by splitting the trimmed text on whitespace; characters include spaces. Reading time uses 200 words per minute, rounded up with a one-minute minimum for non-empty input.
Privacy & security
Your data stays yours
All processing happens locally in your browser. Your text is never uploaded or stored.
Local processing — files stay in your browser
- Counting runs on your device with no network requests.
- Nothing you paste is saved after the tab is closed.
- No account or data collection of any kind.
Limitations
What this tool does not do
- Word splitting treats hyphenated words and contractions as single words.
- The reading-time estimate assumes a 200-word-per-minute pace.
- Character count includes spaces; count them without spaces if your limit excludes them.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Word Counter
Does it count words or characters?
Both — plus an estimated reading time. The character count includes spaces.
How is reading time calculated?
Word count divided by 200 words per minute, rounded up to a whole minute.
Why is my count different from another tool?
Tools differ on splitting rules and whether spaces count. This tool splits on whitespace and counts characters with spaces.
Is my text private?
Yes. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is transmitted or stored.
Can I use it for social media limits?
Yes — the character count helps you check post lengths against platform limits.
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Related guides
Practical articles to help you get the most out of this tool and related workflows.
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