Free Word Counter – Count Words, Characters & Reading Time Online
Count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs instantly. Get reading and speaking time estimates. Analyze unique words, average word length, and more. 100% free, browser-based.
What Is This Tool?
This word counter analyzes your text in real-time, providing comprehensive statistics including word count, character count, reading time, and detailed linguistic metrics.
Key Features
Basic Counts:
- Words
- Characters (with and without spaces)
- Sentences
- Paragraphs
- Lines
Time Estimates:
- Reading time (200 WPM average)
- Speaking time (150 WPM average)
Advanced Metrics:
- Unique word count
- Average word length
- Longest word
How to Use
Step 1: Enter Text
Type directly or paste text into the input area.
Step 2: View Stats
Statistics update automatically as you type.
Step 3: Copy Results
Click "Copy Stats" to copy all metrics to clipboard.
Word Count Guidelines
Social Media
| Platform | Character Limit |
|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 280 characters |
| Instagram caption | 2,200 characters |
| LinkedIn post | 3,000 characters |
| Facebook post | 63,206 characters |
| TikTok caption | 2,200 characters |
Content Publishing
| Content Type | Recommended Length |
|---|---|
| Blog post (basic) | 300-600 words |
| Blog post (SEO) | 1,500-2,500 words |
| Long-form article | 3,000-5,000+ words |
| Product description | 100-300 words |
| Meta description | 150-160 characters |
Academic Writing
| Document | Typical Length |
|---|---|
| Abstract | 150-300 words |
| College essay | 500-650 words |
| Research paper | 2,500-4,000 words |
| Thesis chapter | 3,000-8,000 words |
| Dissertation | 10,000-80,000 words |
Understanding Reading Time
Average Reading Speeds
| Reader Type | Words Per Minute |
|---|---|
| Slow reader | 100-150 WPM |
| Average adult | 200-250 WPM |
| Fast reader | 300-400 WPM |
| Speed reader | 500-1,000+ WPM |
Speaking Speeds
| Context | Words Per Minute |
|---|---|
| Slow/careful | 100-120 WPM |
| Conversational | 120-150 WPM |
| Presentations | 150-160 WPM |
| Auctioneers | 250+ WPM |
Why Word Count Matters
SEO & Search Rankings
Google tends to rank longer, comprehensive content higher. Studies show:
- Top 10 results average 1,447 words
- Long-form content gets more backlinks
- Detailed articles earn more social shares
Reader Engagement
- Too short: May lack depth
- Too long: May lose readers
- Optimal: Covers topic thoroughly without padding
Platform Requirements
Many platforms have strict limits:
- Contest submissions
- Application essays
- Social media posts
- Ad copy
Tips for Writers
Reducing Word Count
- Remove redundant phrases ("in order to" → "to")
- Cut unnecessary adverbs
- Use active voice
- Eliminate filler words ("basically," "actually")
- Combine short sentences
Increasing Word Count
- Add examples and case studies
- Include quotes from experts
- Expand on key points
- Add FAQs section
- Include step-by-step instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
How are words counted?
Words are separated by whitespace. Hyphenated words count as one word.
What about contractions?
"Don't" counts as one word, not two.
How is reading time calculated?
Word count divided by 200 (average adult reading speed).
Is my text stored?
No. All analysis happens in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server.
Can I count words in other languages?
Yes! The counter works with any language that uses spaces between words.
Related Tools
- Character Counter — Character-focused
- Reading Time Calculator — Time estimates
- Text Analyzer — Deeper analysis
- Grammar Checker — Error detection
Paste your text above to see instant word count and statistics.