How to Get a Word Count on Google Docs

A lot of the documents that you create for school or work will need to meet a minimum word count.

You might have tried to use an online word counter, or might have even tried to do it manually.

Fortunately there is an easier way that you can learn how to check word count in Google Docs, which we will discuss in our guide below.

How to Check Word Count in Google Docs

1. Open the document.
2. Click Tools.
3. Select Word Count.

Below you will see additional information on how to check word count in Google Docs, including pictures of these steps.

Depending on what you are using Google Docs to type up, it can be very important to keep track of your word count. Sometimes, writing too many words can deter someone from reading what you wrote, while too few words may not be able to cover the top sufficiently.

While you may have resorted to other tools that offer word counting, or perhaps you copied and pasted into Microsoft Word to use their word counter, it’s possible to find a word count directly in Google Docs.

You can get the word count for a Google document by opening that document, selecting the Tools option at the top of the window, then choosing the Word Count option.

Once the word count window is open you can see a number with the desired information, as well as some other information and even an option to keep the word count displayed on screen.

Most students in school or college have essays to write with a specific amount of words they need to use. Some writing or journalism professions may also require their writers to reach a certain number of words in their work as well.

Below is an easy way to check your word count on Google Docs with the help of a tool that is already a part of the application.

Our Google Docs voice typing iPhone tutorial can show you a convenient way to use your iPhone’s speech-to-text feature to create documents.

How to See Word Count on Google Docs (Guide with Pictures)

You can check your word count at any point while typing but, there is also a way to keep an eye on your word count even while you are typing. This helps so you don’t have to stop to go look for your word count.

Step 1: Start by opening the document for which you would like to view the word count.

Step 2: In the top menu of options, click on the Tools button.

Step 3: Click on Word Count.

Note that you can also use the keyboard shortcut of Ctrl + Shift + C to open the Word count dialog box as well.

Here, you will see your word count for the document but you will also see an option to Display Word Count While Typing. Choose this option to see your word count at all times at the bottom of the screen.

Now that you know how to check word count in Google Docs you will be able to quickly and easily locate this information whenever you need it.

This will be the most efficient way of keeping track of your words. Similarly, if you did not have access to a PC to type your document, you can still check your word count using Google Docs on your phone.

How to Find the Word Count in the Google Docs Mobile App

Not always do people have the ability to hop on the computer and type what they need. With technology being so advanced, we can use our phones from anywhere to continue our typing on the go. 

1. Open the Google Docs app.
2. Click on the document you are working on.
3. At the top right of your screen, click on the 3 dots to reveal extra options.
4. Look down through the options until you see Word Count.

You will be able to see how many words you have typed the same way you can see it if you were typing on a PC.

If you don’t already have the Google Docs app on your iPhone then you can download it here – Google Docs iPhone app.

Additional Information on How to Find the Number of Words in a Google Docs Document 

Keeping an eye on your word count at all times can put more pressure on an individual. There is another way to do a quick check of your word count which is a little different depending on your computer.

If you are using a Mac, press the buttons Command+Shift+C on your keyboard to quickly bring up the Word Count option. This will bring you to the same display as if you were to click the “Word count” option under the “Tools” button.

If you are using a Windows PC, press the buttons Ctrl+Shift+C to also quickly bring up your word count. The Ctrl and Command buttons are typically on the left side of your keyboard.

The ability to use the always on screen word count feature was introduced to Google Docs in 2019 as it was a highly requested feature. Now there is no need to panic as to whether or not you have typed enough words to hit your target.