Word Counter

Count words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and lines as you type, with an estimated reading time. Fast and private, your text is analysed in your browser.

Reading speed

How it works

Words are runs of non-space characters; sentences are counted by terminal punctuation (. ! ?); paragraphs are blocks separated by a blank line. Reading time is words ÷ your chosen reading speed, rounded up.

Your text is counted entirely in your browser, nothing is uploaded.

What this does

A word counter tallies words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and lines as you type, with an estimated reading time.

How to use it

  1. Type or paste your text.
  2. Read the live counts.
  3. Set your reading speed.
  4. Note the estimated reading time.

How it works

A word is any run of non-space characters, so hyphenated terms count once. Reading time divides the word count by your chosen speed (200 wpm by default) and rounds up.

reading time = words ÷ words per minute

Understanding your result

The counts are exact, but the reading time is an estimate: it divides words by a chosen speed (200 wpm by default), so a technical piece reads slower and a light one faster. Use the word and character totals to hit submission or meta-description limits, and the reading time as a rough audience guide rather than a precise figure.

Example

A 1,000-word article reads in about 5 minutes at 200 words per minute.

Sources & methodology

Last updated .

Frequently asked questions

How are words counted?

A word is any run of non-space characters, so hyphenated terms count as one. The tally updates live as you type or paste.

How is reading time worked out?

It divides the word count by your chosen reading speed (200 words per minute by default, the average for adults) and rounds up.

Is my text uploaded?

No. Everything is counted locally in your browser; nothing you type is sent or stored.