How to Get Word Count in Google Docs

The word count is an essential consideration in any writing project. You may struggle to make the word limit for an essay or want to find out whether you’ve rambled on for too long. Whatever the reason, a quick check of your word count can be useful.

Unfortunately, Google Docs doesn’t have a visible word counter by default. But don’t panic – it’s easy to find on a browser. This article will explain how to get your word count in Google Docs.

How to Get Google Docs Word Count on the Web

The word count tool is tucked away in the toolbar of Google Docs. Simply click “Tools” and then “Word Count” to open the word count window. A keyboard shortcut is the easiest and fastest way to access the word counter. Press Ctrl+Shift+C (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+C to open the word count window.

Once the window is open, you’ll be able to view the following:

• Pages
• Words
• Characters
• Characters excluding spaces

How to Always Display the Word Count

A visible word counter is a recent addition to Google Docs. Previously, you had to enable third-party extensions to see your real-time word count on screen. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, and you can enable this tool quite easily.

1. Open the word count window via the toolbar or keyboard shortcut.
   
2. Check the box next to “Display word count while typing.”
   
3. Click “OK” to confirm your choice. Your live word count should appear as a small window in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
   
4. Click on this window to view more details about your document, including pages and characters.
   
5. If you’d like to hide the window, click on the word counter and select “Hide word count.”
   

How to Partially Count Words

If you’d like to check the count of a certain section of your document, here’s what to do:

1. Drag your cursor over the section of text you want to check.
   
2. Open the word count window via the keyboard or toolbar.
   
3. You’ll see the pages, words, and characters of your section displayed as parts of the total document.
   
4. If your real-time word counter is enabled, the words of your selection will be shown in the window instead of the document total. Click the window to view more details.
   

How to Find Google Docs Word Count on Mobile

The Google Docs app functions similarly on both Android and iOS. It does, however, work a little differently from the browser version. Unfortunately, you won’t have access to a real-time word counter and can’t use any third-party software in the app.

Check the Word Count of the Entire Document

A quick word count check is simple. Just do the following:

1. Open the document to check, then tap the More button in the top-right of the screen.
   
2. Select “Word Count.”
   
3. A sidebar will appear with your word count.
   

The Google Docs app will show fewer stats than its browser counterpart. You can only view:

• Words
• Characters
• Characters excluding spaces

Checking Partial Word Count

To check a section of your document, here’s what you need to do:

1. Tap and drag to select the section you want to check.
   
2. Tap the More button and select “Word Count” from the side menu.
   
3. You’ll see your section’s word and character count displayed as part of the total document’s words and characters.
   

Word Counting Across Google Docs Editors

While word counting is easily accessible in Google Docs, it’s important to know when it isn’t. Any document you open in Compatibility Mode won’t have the option enabled. You’ll have to enable editing first, if possible.

What’s more, word counting isn’t available in Google Slides or Google Sheets. You also won’t be able to count words in Gmail without extensions.

Not All Word Counters Count the Same

Google Docs has a reputation for returning a higher word count than other word processors. If you’re wondering why, it’s because it counts characters differently from word processors like Microsoft Word.

Here are a few examples:

• Words linked or separated by em or en dashes, or any other symbol.
• Hyperlinks are counted as multiple words rather than one.
• Email addresses are also counted as multiple words.
• Header and footer words are excluded.
• Words within “<>” brackets are also excluded from the count.

How to Use a Third-Party Extension to Count Words in Google Docs

Since Google Docs readily allow for extensions to be added, you can quickly and effortlessly add third-party word counters to your program, so long as it’s the browser version.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Click “Extensions” from the toolbar.
   
2. From the dropdown menu, hover over “Add-ons,” then “Get add-ons.”
   
3. You’ll be taken to the Google Workspace Marketplace window.
   
4. Type “word counter” in the “Search apps” Search Bar.
   
5. You can search for a word counter to suit your needs. Click the “Price” button to filter free or paid options.
   
6. When you’ve found an extension, click on it and press the “Install” button.
   
7. Your extension should then be installed. You can manage it from the “Extension” menu under “Add-ons.”

In addition to these extensions, there are also third-party browser word checkers that can work across tabs and across Google Docs Editors. While they may not be as well integrated as in-program extensions, there are certainly more to choose from. Here’s how to add browser extensions for a few different browsers.

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the More button in the top menu.
   
2. Hover over “Extensions,” then select “Visit Chrome Web Store.”
   
3. A new tab will take you to the store. Search for a word counter and press Enter.
   
4. Click on the extension you want to add, then press the “Add to Chrome” button.
   
5. Confirm by clicking “Add extension.” It should then install.
   

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the Extensions button in the top menu.
   
2. Select “Open Microsoft Edge Add-ons” and you’ll be taken to a new tab.
   
3. Use the search bar to find a word counter, and click on one to examine it further.
   
4. When you’re satisfied, click the “Get” button and confirm your choice by selecting “Add extension.”
   
5. Your extension should install.

On Safari:

1. From the top menu, choose “Safari,” then “Safari extensions.”
   
2. You’ll be taken to the App Store’s Safari Extensions page.
   
3. Search for a word counter app and click on “Get” when you’ve decided.
   
4. Click “Install” to add the extension to your browser.
   

Make It Count

Word counts are important when word limits are a factor. They’re a quick and easy way to stay on track and to know when to start trimming your content. Google Docs may not have the most accessible word counter out there, but it’s still easy to find in the menus. And if you need something more in-depth, there are plenty of third-party options ready to assist you.

Have you ever needed to check the word count in Google Docs? What other word counters do you swear by? Let us know in the comments section below.