About the Word Counter
This word counter updates as you type or paste, showing words, characters with and without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading and speaking time. It also compares your text against common length limits, such as typical title tag and meta description lengths and social post limits, so you can see at a glance if something will be cut off.
Word count is not a ranking factor, and there is no ideal length for every page. Use the counts to meet briefs, keep snippets within visible limits, and plan scripts using the speaking time. If a page is much shorter than others covering the same topic, check whether it answers the question fully rather than adding words for their own sake. Your text never leaves your browser.
How to use it
- Type or paste your text into the box.
- Read the word, character, sentence and paragraph counts.
- Check reading or speaking time for articles and scripts.
- Compare against the limit checks for titles, descriptions and posts.
Frequently asked questions
Does word count affect Google rankings?
Google has said word count is not a ranking factor. Longer pages sometimes rank well because they cover a topic more completely, not because of their length. Aim to answer the searcher's question fully and clearly, whether that takes 300 words or 3,000.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time divides the word count by an average reading speed, commonly around 200–250 words per minute for adults reading online. Speaking time uses a slower rate, typically around 130–150 words per minute. Real speeds vary with the reader and the complexity of the text.
Are spaces counted as characters?
It depends on the platform. Most social networks and search snippets count spaces, which is why the tool shows characters both with and without spaces. Use the with-spaces count for titles, descriptions and posts unless a platform states otherwise. Some platforms count emoji or special characters differently.