Keeping track of your word count on Google Docs is straightforward. To see how many words you’ve typed, simply click on “Tools” at the top of the page, then select “Word count.” A box will pop up displaying the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces.
After completing this action, you’ll have a clear and immediate understanding of the length of your document. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to adhere to specific word limits for essays, reports, or articles.
Introduction
In today’s world, where content is king, the ability to measure and manage it effectively is more important than ever. Whether you’re a student working on an essay, a professional preparing a report, or a writer crafting your latest article, understanding how to track your word count in Google Docs is crucial. Google Docs, the ubiquitous online word processor, offers a slick and easy-to-use platform for document creation and collaboration. It’s no wonder, then, that knowing how to keep an eye on your word count is essential for meeting requirements and staying on track.
The importance of word count cannot be overstated. It dictates the depth and breadth of your content, impacts engagement, and often serves as a guide for pacing your narrative or argument. For educators and students, it’s a critical component of assignment guidelines. In the professional sphere, word count can shape the clarity and conciseness of business communications. Writers of all stripes rely on this tool to trim the fat from their prose or to ensure they’ve given a topic the attention it deserves.
Related: How to Format Citations in Google Docs
A Step by Step Tutorial
Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about what following these steps will do for you. By following the steps outlined below, you’ll be able to easily and quickly find the word count of your document. This isn’t just about meeting those pesky word limits; it’s about gaining insights into your writing habits and better managing your document’s length.
Step 1: Open your Google Docs document
Access the document you want to check in Google Docs.
This step is self-explanatory—make sure you’re logged into your Google account and open the document you’re working on.
Step 2: Click on the “Tools” menu
Find and click on the “Tools” menu at the top of the page.
The “Tools” menu is your gateway to many of Google Docs’ features, including spell check, word count, and more.
Step 3: Select “Word count” from the dropdown
In the “Tools” menu, click on “Word count” to open the word count box.
This will open a box that provides you with detailed information about your document’s length, including pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces.
Step 4: View your word count
Read the word count statistics in the pop-up box.
Here you’ll find the exact count of words and other useful stats. If you want this information to be visible as you type, you can check the box that says “Display word count while typing.”
Pros
Benefit 1: Meet specific requirements
Easily ensure you meet any word count requirements for your document.
Many assignments and publications have strict word count limits. This feature allows you to check your progress and ensure you’re meeting those requirements without going over or under.
Benefit 2: Improve writing efficiency
Helps in improving writing efficiency and conciseness.
By being aware of your word count, you can practice writing more succinctly, a skill that’s invaluable whether you’re a student, professional, or creative writer.
Benefit 3: Time management
Aid in better time management for completing writing tasks.
Knowing how much you’ve written can help you estimate how much time you’ll need to complete your writing task. It’s a great way to keep yourself on schedule.
Cons
Drawback 1: Distraction possibility
Constantly checking word count can be a distraction.
For some writers, the temptation to check word count constantly can interrupt the flow of writing and become a source of distraction.
Drawback 2: Overemphasis on quantity
May lead to an overemphasis on quantity over quality.
Focusing too much on hitting a specific word count might detract from the quality of the writing if the content is being padded or unnecessarily condensed.
Drawback 3: Not always accurate for complex documents
Word count may not be accurate for documents with a lot of non-text elements.
For documents that include many images, tables, or other non-text elements, the word count might not accurately reflect the amount of actual written content.
Additional Information
When we delve into the world of word counts, it’s fascinating to see just how this simple metric can shape our writing. It’s not just about hitting a number; it’s about pacing, detail, and depth. Google Docs doesn’t just stop at telling you how many words you’ve written; it can also break down your document by characters. Why is this useful? Well, for starters, if you’re writing for online platforms, sometimes character count is king—think Twitter or other social media platforms.
Furthermore, the tool in Google Docs that allows you to display word count while typing can serve as a constant reminder of your progress, which can be quite motivating for those who thrive on incremental achievements. And let’s not forget about the psychological aspect. Seeing that word count rise can give you a sense of accomplishment, pushing you to keep going when the going gets tough.
On the flip side, don’t let the word count dictate the quality of your writing. It’s a tool, not the rule. The essence and substance of what you write are far more important than merely meeting a numerical target.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Click on the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Word count” from the dropdown.
- View your word count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the word count for a specific section of my document?
Yes, you can highlight the text of a specific section, and when you open the word count tool, it will show the count for just the highlighted portion.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to open the word count window?
Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) to open the word count window directly.
Does Google Docs word count include footnotes and endnotes?
Yes, words in footnotes and endnotes are included in the document’s word count.
Can I keep the word count box open while I type?
Yes, there is an option in the word count box to “Display word count while typing,” which you can enable.
Will the word count update in real-time?
If you have the “Display word count while typing” option enabled, the word count will update as you type.
Conclusion
Google Docs is an incredibly powerful tool for writers of all kinds, and its word count feature is a testament to its utility. Whether you’re trying to stay within the limits of an assignment, keeping your blog post snappy, or just curious about your writing habits, Google Docs makes tracking your word count simple. The benefits are clear: from meeting requirements to managing time, knowing your word count is a fundamental part of the writing process. However, don’t forget that it’s the quality of the words, not the quantity, that truly matters. Use the word count feature as a guide, not a goal, and let your words make the impact, not just fill a quota.
For those looking to maximize their use of Google Docs, remember to leverage the word count feature smartly, avoid letting it distract you, and always aim for clear, concise, and engaging writing. With these tools and tips in hand, you’re well-equipped to tackle any writing project that comes your way.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.