Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and reading time online for free — updates live as you type, entirely in your browser.
100% private — runs entirely in your browser. Your files never leave your device.
Counts update as you type. Reading time assumes ~200 words per minute. Everything stays in your browser — your text is never uploaded, so it’s safe for drafts and confidential copy.
How to use the Word Counter
- Type or paste your text.
- Watch the counts update live.
- Read words, characters, sentences and reading time.
What you can use it for
- Hit essay and assignment word limits
- Check meta descriptions and tweets by character
- Estimate reading time for articles
- Count copy privately — nothing is uploaded
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Browse all free tools →What the counter measures
| Stat | How it's counted |
|---|---|
| Words | Runs of text separated by spaces or line breaks |
| Characters | Every character, including spaces |
| No spaces | Characters excluding spaces and line breaks |
| Sentences | Text ending in . ! or ? |
| Paragraphs | Blocks of text separated by a blank line |
| Reading time | Words ÷ about 200 words per minute |
Common length limits
| Where | Limit |
|---|---|
| X (Twitter) post | 280 characters |
| Instagram caption | 2,200 characters |
| LinkedIn post | 3,000 characters |
| Google title tag | About 50–60 characters before truncation |
| Meta description | About 150–160 characters before truncation |
| Common App personal essay | 650 words |
Limits change from time to time, so check the platform's own guidance for anything critical.
Private by design
Counting happens in your browser as you type, so drafts, essays and confidential documents are never uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What does it count?
Words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading time at ~200 words per minute.
Does it work for essays and social captions?
Yes — it's handy for checking essay length, meta descriptions, tweets and any character-limited field.
Is my text stored or uploaded?
No — counting happens live in your browser and your text never leaves your device.
How is reading time calculated?
Word count divided by an average reading speed of 200 words per minute.