Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs as you type, with reading and speaking time.
How to use this tool
- Paste or type your text into the box above.
- The result updates as you change the input — there is nothing to submit and nothing to wait for.
- Read the figures in the result panel, or copy the converted text.
- Use Copy or Download if you need the output elsewhere. Nothing was uploaded at any point.
Reading time uses 238 words per minute, the average for adults reading English prose. Speaking time uses 140 wpm, a comfortable presentation pace.
Word Counter — the specification
| Counts | Words, characters, characters without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, lines |
|---|---|
| Reading speed | 238 wpm — average adult |
| Speaking speed | 140 wpm — presentation pace |
| Updates | Live as you type |
How it works
This tool runs entirely in your browser. There is no server involved, which means nothing you type or upload is transmitted, stored, or logged — and there are no usage limits, because there is nothing for us to ration.
You can confirm it yourself: open your browser's developer tools, select the Network tab, and use the tool. No request is made.
A worked example
Run against this page’s own code, with the real input and the real output reproduced below.
What went in
Applications close on 30 September. Candidates must upload a recent photograph and a scanned signature before the fee is paid, and the portal will not accept either file once the window has shut. Keep a copy of the confirmation page for your own records.
What came back
| Words | 44 |
|---|---|
| Characters | 254 |
| Characters (no spaces) | 211 |
| Sentences | 3 |
| Paragraphs | 1 |
| Lines | 1 |
| Reading time | 11 sec |
| Speaking time | 19 sec |
Everything above happened in the page as the text was typed. Nothing was sent to a server, which is why it works offline once the page has loaded and why there is no limit on how often you use it.
Who needs Word Counter
Writers working to a word count, students meeting assignment limits, and anyone estimating how long a piece takes to read aloud.
Word Counter — frequently asked questions
How are words counted?
Any run of non-space characters counts as one word, which matches how most word processors count. Hyphenated words count as one.
Why does my count differ from Microsoft Word?
Word handles some edge cases differently — numbers, symbols and text inside footnotes. Differences are usually under one percent.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. Counting happens in your browser as you type. Nothing is transmitted or stored.
Does this work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded you can disconnect from the internet and it keeps working, because all the processing happens in your browser. That is also the simplest way to confirm nothing is being sent anywhere.
Is there a limit on how much I can paste in?
Nothing we impose. The practical limit is your device’s memory, since the work happens locally. Very large inputs get slower rather than being refused.
Can I use this on a phone?
Yes. The layout adapts to a small screen and everything works the same way.
Related tools
From other categories
Background reading: Text and Developer Tools That Never Upload Your Data
Your file never leaves your device. Open your browser's Network tab while you use this page and you will see no upload — how that works.
Disclaimer. Published requirements change without notice. Confirm against the official source before you submit. Full disclaimer.