How it works
Words are groups of characters separated by spaces or line breaks. Characters are counted both with and without spaces, and emoji count as one character each.
Sentences end at a full stop, question mark, exclamation mark or the Hindi danda. Paragraphs are blocks of text separated by a blank line.
Reading time assumes about 200 words a minute, and speaking time about 130 words a minute. Real speed varies from person to person.
Good to know
The count is a good guide, but different tools and word processors can differ slightly, for example in how they treat hyphens and numbers.
Counts follow spaces, so languages written without spaces between words are not counted as words.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a page?
A page of single-spaced text in a normal font is roughly 500 words, and double-spaced about 250. It varies with font size and margins.
Is my text saved or sent anywhere?
No. The counting happens in your browser as you type, and nothing is stored or uploaded.
How is reading time worked out?
It divides the word count by 200, a common average for silent reading. Technical text is usually read more slowly.