How to Count Words in Google Docs (Computer, Android and iPhone)
Quick answer
To count words in Google Docs on a computer, click Tools then Word count, or press Ctrl + Shift + C (Cmd + Shift + C on a Mac). On a phone, open the document, tap the three dot More menu, then tap Word count.
Free tool
Word Counter. Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs in any text, including text from Sheets and Slides.
Google Docs has a built in word count that also shows pages and characters, and it can stay on screen while you type. This guide covers every way to see it on a computer, Android, iPhone and iPad, what the count leaves out, and what to do when word count is missing.
How to count words in Google Docs on a computer
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Click Tools in the menu at the top.
- Click Word count.
- Read the counts, then close the box.
The box shows the number of pages, words, characters and characters excluding spaces. The keyboard shortcut opens the same box:
| Computer | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows or Chromebook | Ctrl + Shift + C |
| Mac | Cmd + Shift + C |
The steps above follow Google’s own help page on counting words.
Show the word count while you type
- Click Tools, then Word count.
- Tick Display word count while typing.
- Click OK.
A small word count box now sits in the bottom left corner of the page. Click it to switch between pages, words, characters and characters excluding spaces. To remove it, click the box and choose Hide word count.
Google suggests the live count for shorter pieces such as essays and articles, and the Word count window for long documents such as novels or screenplays.
Count words in part of a document
Highlight the text you want to count, then open Tools and Word count or press the shortcut. The box now shows the count for the selected text only, next to the total for the whole document. This is handy for checking one section of an essay against a word limit.
How to see word count in Google Docs on Android
- Open the Google Docs app.
- Open your document.
- Tap the three dot More icon.
- Tap Word count.
You will see words, characters and characters excluding spaces. Select some text first if you only want to count part of it.
How to see word count in Google Docs on iPhone and iPad
- Open the Google Docs app and your document.
- Tap the three dot More icon at the top.
- Tap Word count.
What Google Docs leaves out of the word count
When nothing is selected, the count covers the main body of the document and leaves out:
- Headers
- Footers
- Footnotes
Text in the body is counted, so a reference list or bibliography typed in the body is included. If your teacher wants the count without references, select only the main text and check the selected count.
Why word count is missing or different
| Problem | Reason and fix |
|---|---|
| No Word count option in the menu | Word count only works in Google Docs. It is not available in Google Sheets or Google Slides. Paste the text into a word counter instead. |
| Word count is greyed out or missing for a Word file | The file may be open in Microsoft Office Compatibility Mode. Use File then Save as Google Docs and check again. |
| The count does not match Microsoft Word or another tool | Tools treat hyphenated words, numbers, links and symbols differently, so small gaps are normal. Use whichever tool your teacher or client uses. |
| The count seems too low | Text in headers, footers and footnotes is not counted unless you select it. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for word count in Google Docs?
Press Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows or Chromebook, or Cmd + Shift + C on a Mac.
Does Google Docs count footnotes in the word count?
No. Headers, footers and footnotes are left out unless you select that text first.
Does Google Docs count characters with spaces?
Yes. The Word count box shows both characters and characters excluding spaces.
Can I keep the word count on screen?
Yes. Open Tools, then Word count, tick Display word count while typing and click OK.
How do I count words in Google Slides or Sheets?
There is no built in word count in Slides or Sheets. Copy the text and paste it into a free word counter.
