If you’re working on a document in Google Docs, knowing the word count can be crucial, especially for assignments or articles with word limits. Fortunately, Google Docs makes it super easy to check the word count. Here’s a quick overview: Open your document, click on "Tools" in the menu bar, and then select "Word count." A pop-up will show you the word count, as well as information like character count and page count.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count in Google Docs
In this section, we’ll go through the steps to find your word count in Google Docs, ensuring you know exactly how many words you’ve written.
Step 1: Open Your Google Document
First, open your Google Docs document that you want to check the word count for.
Once your document is open, make sure it’s fully loaded. This ensures that all words are counted accurately.
Step 2: Click on "Tools" in the Menu Bar
Next, navigate to the menu bar at the top of the page and click on "Tools."
“Tools” is located between “Insert” and “Add-ons” in the menu bar. Clicking it will open a dropdown menu.
Step 3: Select "Word count"
From the dropdown menu, click on "Word count."
This will open a pop-up window showing various statistics about your document.
Step 4: Review the Word Count Pop-Up
In the pop-up window, you’ll see the word count, along with other information like character count and page count.
The window will show stats like total words, characters, characters excluding spaces, and total pages.
Step 5: Close the Pop-Up
Click "OK" or close the window to return to your document.
After checking your stats, simply close the pop-up to continue working on your document.
After completing these steps, you’ll know the exact word count of your document. This can be very helpful for meeting word limits or keeping track of your writing progress.
Tips for Using the Word Count Feature in Google Docs
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Press Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) to quickly bring up the word count pop-up.
- Live Updates: Enable the "Display word count while typing" option in the word count pop-up for real-time updates.
- Selection Count: Highlight a portion of text to see the word count for just that selection.
- Mobile App: You can also check word count on the Google Docs mobile app by tapping the three dots in the upper right corner and selecting "Word count."
- Consistency: Regularly check your word count to ensure you’re on track, especially for assignments with strict word limits.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Check Word Count in Google Docs
How do I check the word count on my mobile device?
Open the document, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select "Word count."
Is there a way to keep the word count visible while writing?
Yes, enable the "Display word count while typing" option in the Word count pop-up window.
Can I check the word count for a specific section of text?
Yes, highlight the section you want to check, then open the Word count tool.
Does the word count include footnotes?
Footnotes are generally not included in the word count.
Are spaces included in the character count?
Yes, there are two counts provided: characters with spaces and characters excluding spaces.
Summary
- Open your Google Document.
- Click on "Tools" in the Menu Bar.
- Select "Word count."
- Review the Word Count Pop-Up.
- Close the Pop-Up.
Conclusion
Checking the word count in Google Docs is a straightforward yet essential task for writers, students, and professionals alike. With just a few clicks, you can keep track of your progress, ensuring you meet word limits and stay focused on your goals. Whether you’re working on a school essay, a business report, or a novel, knowing how to quickly check your word count can save you time and stress.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into mastering Google Docs, there are numerous resources available online to help you uncover all its features and capabilities. Feel free to explore tutorials on formatting, collaboration tools, and even advanced tricks to boost your productivity.
By mastering the word count feature, you’re not only ensuring your document meets its required length but also enhancing your overall writing efficiency. So go ahead, open that Google Doc, and give it a try!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.