How to use
- Type or paste your text into the box.
- Read the totals below the box. Words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and lines update as you type.
- Enter an optional limit and choose what to count. Use "Copy results" to save the totals or "Clear" to start over.
How the word and character counter works
A word is any run of letters or numbers. An apostrophe, hyphen, or period inside a word doesn't split it, so don't, well-known, and 3.14 each count as one word. For example, "Don't stop now!" has 3 words and 15 characters with spaces.
The character count includes punctuation and symbols. Removing whitespace gives the count without spaces. For example, "Hi there" has 8 characters with spaces and 7 without.
Sentences are detected by your browser's built-in text tools. In older browsers, the counter splits at periods, question marks, and exclamation points instead. A final phrase without punctuation still counts as a sentence. Treat this count as an estimate: abbreviations and unusual punctuation can affect the result.
Working with a word or character limit
Use the limit set by your assignment, application form, or publishing platform. Check whether it includes spaces. A platform may count links or emoji differently, so check its own counter before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a word?
A word is a run of letters or numbers. Internal apostrophes, hyphens, and periods stay in the same word, so contractions, hyphenated terms, and decimal numbers each count as one. Other counters may use different rules, especially for languages without spaces between words.
Do spaces and line breaks count as characters?
The count with spaces includes spaces, tabs, and line breaks. The count without spaces excludes all whitespace. A line break always counts as one character, even in text from Windows, where it is stored as two.
How are emoji counted?
In current browsers, an emoji counts as one character, even one built from several parts, such as a family emoji or a flag. So does a letter with an accent. Older browsers may count those as two or more.
What is the difference between paragraphs and lines?
A paragraph is one or more lines of text in a row; a blank line starts a new paragraph. The line count includes every line, even blank ones and the empty line after a final line break. Wrapping on the screen does not add lines.
Is my text uploaded?
The counter processes your text in your browser and does not upload or save it. The page itself uses Google Analytics and shows ads.