Open the Tools menu and select Word count

The fastest way to see how many words you have written is to click Tools in the menu bar at the top of your Google Doc, then click Word count from the dropdown. A box will pop up showing your total word count, character count (with and without spaces), and page count. This box stays open while you work, so you can watch the numbers change as you type.

If you close the word count box and want to open it again, use the same path: Tools > Word count. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows or Command + Shift + C on Mac to open it when ready without clicking through the menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Word count in Google Docs is found under the Tools menu and shows words, characters, and pages in a single box.
  • The word count box stays open while you work and updates in real time as you type or delete text.
  • You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Command + Shift + C (Mac) instead of clicking the menu.
  • Google Docs counts hyphenated words as one word and does not count words in comments or suggestions unless you change the settings.

What the word count box actually shows you

The word count box displays four separate numbers. Words is the total number of words in your document. Pages is an estimate based on standard formatting — the actual number of pages when you print depends on your font size, margins, and spacing. Characters shows two numbers: one that includes spaces between words and one that does not. Most writing assignments ask for word count, not character count, so focus on the first number.

The box updates automatically as you type. If you add a sentence, the numbers go up. If you delete a paragraph, they go down. You do not have to close and reopen the box to see the new total — it refreshes on its own.

How Google Docs counts words

Google Docs counts each word as a separate unit separated by a space. A hyphenated word like "mother-in-law" counts as one word, not three. Numbers written as digits (like "42") count as one word. Numbers written out as words (like "forty-two") also count as one word each.

By default, Google Docs does not count words in comments or suggested edits. If you want to include those in your count, open the word count box, click the three dots in the corner, and check the box next to "Include comments and suggestions." This is useful if you are working with a group and want to see the total length of feedback alongside the main document.

Checking word count on mobile devices

If you are using Google Docs on your phone or tablet, the word count feature works the same way but the menu looks different. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the top left of your screen, then scroll down and tap Word count. The same box appears with words, characters, and pages.

On mobile, the word count box may cover part of your document, but you can drag it to a different corner of the screen by holding and moving the top bar of the box. Close it by tapping the X button when you are done checking.

Why word count matters for different types of writing

School assignments often have a word count requirement — "write a 500-word essay" or "between 1,000 and 1,500 words." Staying within that range matters because teachers use word count to set expectations for depth and detail. Too short and you have not covered the topic fully. Too long and you may be repeating yourself or going off topic.

Professional writing like cover letters, grant proposals, and job applications also have word limits. A hiring manager may ask for a cover letter under 250 words. A grant process might have a 5,000-word cap. Checking your word count before you submit ensures you meet the requirement and shows you paid attention to the instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs count words in headers and footers?

Yes, Google Docs counts all words in your document, including headers, footers, and the main text. If you want to exclude headers or footers from your count, you would need to delete them, check the word count, then add them back — or copy just the main text into a separate document to count it alone.

What if I want to count words in just part of my document?

Highlight the text you want to count by clicking and dragging to select it, then open the word count box (Tools > Word count). The box will show the count for only the selected text at the top, with the full document count below it. This is useful when you are working on one section of a longer paper.

Can I set a word count goal in Google Docs?

Google Docs does not have a built-in goal feature that warns you when you reach a target number. You can open the word count box and check it manually as you work, or use a separate tool like a timer or a notes app to track your progress toward a goal.

Why does my word count seem different in Microsoft Word?

Different programs sometimes count words slightly differently, especially with hyphenated words, numbers, or special characters. If you need an exact count for a submission, use the program the assignment specifies. If you are moving a document between Google Docs and Word, check the count in both to see if there is a difference.