Checking the word count on a PowerPoint presentation in 2024 is a breeze! Whether you’re trying to meet a specific requirement for a school project or ensuring your business presentation isn’t too wordy, PowerPoint has got you covered. Knowing how to quickly find the number of words in your slides can save you time and keep your presentation on point. So, let’s dive in and learn how to check word count on PowerPoint!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count on PowerPoint
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what these steps will do. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to find out the total number of words in your PowerPoint presentation with ease.
Step 1: Open your PowerPoint Presentation
Open the PowerPoint presentation you want to check the word count for.
Once you have your PowerPoint open, make sure you’re on the "Review" tab. This is where you’ll find tools to help you proofread and review your slides.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Review’ Tab
Click on the ‘Review’ tab in the PowerPoint toolbar at the top of the screen.
In the ‘Review’ tab, you’ll find various options like ‘Spelling,’ ‘Language,’ and ‘Word Count.’ We’re interested in the latter.
Step 3: Find the ‘Word Count’ Option
Look for the ‘Word Count’ option in the ‘Proofing’ group.
The ‘Proofing’ group is typically located on the left side of the ‘Review’ tab. The ‘Word Count’ feature might be represented by an icon or simply as text, depending on your version of PowerPoint.
Step 4: Click on ‘Word Count’
Click on the ‘Word Count’ option to view the number of words in your presentation.
A small window will pop up displaying the word count for your slides. This count may or may not include words in text boxes, depending on your settings.
After completing the action, you’ll have a clear idea of how long your presentation is in terms of word count. This can help you make necessary edits to meet any length requirements or ensure your presentation is concise and to the point.
Tips: How to Check Word Count on PowerPoint
- Remember that the word count feature only counts words in text boxes that are part of the slides. Words in embedded images or videos won’t be counted.
- If you need to include notes in your word count, make sure you check the appropriate box in the word count window.
- Keep in mind that different versions of PowerPoint might have the ‘Word Count’ option located in different places under the ‘Review’ tab.
- If you’re working in a group, remind your teammates to keep track of their word count to ensure the overall presentation stays within the desired limit.
- Re-check the word count after making significant changes to your slides to ensure your edits didn’t drastically affect the length.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PowerPoint count words in notes?
No, PowerPoint does not automatically count words in the notes section. However, you can choose to include them by checking the appropriate box in the word count window.
Can I check the word count for a single slide?
No, the word count feature in PowerPoint gives you the total for the entire presentation. However, you could copy and paste the text from a single slide into a word processor to check its word count.
Will the word count include text in headers and footers?
Yes, any text that is in text boxes, including headers and footers, will be included in the word count.
Does PowerPoint count words in tables?
Yes, PowerPoint does count words in tables as long as they are in text form and not images.
Can I see the word count for each individual slide?
PowerPoint doesn’t provide a per-slide word count. It shows the total count for all slides combined.
Summary
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click on the ‘Review’ tab.
- Find the ‘Word Count’ option in the ‘Proofing’ group.
- Click on ‘Word Count’ to view the number of words.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping track of the word count in your PowerPoint presentation is essential, especially if you’re working within a word limit or striving for brevity in your slides. Fortunately, PowerPoint makes this task straightforward. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep their presentations tight and to the point, knowing how to check word count on PowerPoint is a handy skill.
Remember, while being concise is important, it’s equally important to ensure your message is clear and impactful. Don’t chop down your presentation so much that you lose essential information or your audience’s interest. As you become more familiar with PowerPoint’s various tools and features, you’ll find it easier to strike the right balance between brevity and substance. So go ahead, use these steps, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be mastering your presentations in no time!
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.
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