If you’re working on a document in Google Docs, it’s easy to tell if you need to add more words still. If you need to know how many words you have so far in your text, this tutorial shows how to check the word count in Google Docs.
Good to know: check out how to track changes in Google Docs.
How to Check Word Count for Entire Document in Google Docs
When you need to quickly check how many words are in your Google Doc, follow these instructions.
PC
Open the Google Doc in your browser on your PC. In the menu toward the top, select Tools -> Word Count.
Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + C.
An overview of your document includes the number of pages, and characters (number of letters, symbols, numbers, and spaces). The number of characters excluding spaces is also provided.
Mobile
You can also track changes in Google Docs from the mobile application.
Go to the document on your mobile device. The app is preinstalled on most Android phones. If not, you can get it from the Play Store. iPhone users can download it from the App Store.
Press on the three dots in the upper-right corner.
Tap on Word count in the menu.
A small window will show the information.
Tip: learn how to easily add a table of contents in Google Docs.
How to Check Word Count in Google Docs While Typing
If you’re composing text with a word limit, Google Docs can keep you informed of your word count at a glance so you won’t have to keep manually checking.
Open the Google Docs, and navigate to Tools -> Word count, just like before. This time around, check the box underneath that says Display word count while typing, then press OK.
As you continue to type, you’ll be able to see the document’s word count in the lower-left corner of the display.
Click the word count to view all the additional information, including the character count. If you wish to remove the word count from view, click on the Hide word count option.
FYI: Google Docs lets you search a document for words. Read through our guide to learn how.
How to Check Word Count for Only Part of the Text in Google Docs
You may need to check the word count for only a particular paragraph or a portion of the text in Google Docs.
First, select the text. On PC, place your cursor at the start of the line, then drag over it. On mobile, long-press instead at the start of the text, then drag your finger over the text.
Click Tools -> Word count if you’re on PC. On mobile, tap the three dots, and select Word count to see how many words are in that portion of the text.
How to Get Advanced Word Count Capabilities in Google Docs
If you need more word count capabilities in Google Docs, there’s a way to improve on the options if you’re using Google Docs on your PC.
Open the document in your browser. Click on Extensions in the menu at the top, then go to Add-ons -> Get add-ons.
You’ll be redirected to the Google Workspace Marketplace. Use the search bar at the top to look for “word counter,” select the option that appears, Word Counter Max for Google Docs, and install it.
Once added, activate it by going to Extensions -> Word Counter Max for Google Docs. Select whether you want the full view or minimal view. For the purposes of this article, we selected the former.
A new panel will be generated on the right. Set a word count target so that you will know when you’re approaching the limit.
Also explore the Advanced section, where you can get a full report on your document, including the word count for each of your article’s sections, as well as the title. Also try the Count words until cursor position. It is a great way to see how many words you have in a paragraph or list.
You can ask the add-on to calculate your word count in the Exclusion section, without taking into account aspects such as text between brackets or text in tables. The list is comprehensive, so check it carefully. You can even change the counting method if you want.
Tip: get up to speed on how to export a Microsoft Word document as a PDF.
Google Docs is one of the best Microsoft Word alternatives you can try. It even lets you take advantage of templates, such as these Google Docs résumé templates that could help you land a job more easily. Alternatively, read on to learn how to convert a Google Doc into a Word document.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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