Tracking the word count in your Google Doc is a handy tool, especially if you’re working on a project with specific word count requirements. In just a few clicks, you can easily display the word count and keep track of your document’s length as you type.
Step by Step Tutorial to Display Word Count on Google Docs
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to do here. Following these steps will enable you to view the word count for your entire document or a selected portion of text. This is useful for essays, articles, or any writing that has a word limit.
Step 1: Open your Google Doc
Open the Google Doc for which you want to display the word count.
Once you have your document open, you’re ready to start. It’s important that you have editing access to the document to be able to view the word count.
Step 2: Click on "Tools" in the Menu Bar
Click on the "Tools" option located in the menu bar at the top of your Google Doc.
The "Tools" menu contains various features that help enhance your writing, including the word count feature.
Step 3: Select "Word count" from the dropdown menu
From the dropdown menu that appears, select "Word count."
A window will pop up displaying the word count for your entire document, including pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces.
Step 4: Check the "Display word count while typing" box
In the word count window, check the box next to "Display word count while typing" to keep the word count visible on your screen.
With this option enabled, you’ll see a small word count box in the lower-left corner of your Google Doc that updates in real-time as you type.
Step 5: Close the word count window
After enabling the word count display, close the word count window by clicking on the "OK" button or the "X" in the top corner of the window.
Now that you’ve closed the window, you can continue typing, and the word count will stay visible.
After completing these steps, you will see a small box in the lower-left corner of your Google Doc that displays the current word count. This allows you to keep an eye on the length of your document without any interruptions to your workflow.
Tips for Displaying Word Count on Google Docs
- Remember, the word count tool counts everything in the document, including headings and footnotes. Keep this in mind if you have specific content that should not be included in the count.
- You can also see the word count for a specific section of text by highlighting the desired text before opening the word count window.
- The real-time word count display is great for writing to a target, but if you find it distracting, you can easily disable it by unchecking the box in the word count window.
- If you’re working in a shared document, other collaborators won’t see your word count unless they enable it on their end.
- The word count tool is also available in the Google Docs app on mobile devices, ensuring you can track your word count on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I display the word count for a specific selection of text?
Yes, simply highlight the text you want to count, then follow the steps to open the word count window, and it will display the count for the selected text.
Does the word count feature work in real-time?
Yes, when you enable "Display word count while typing," the count updates as you type or delete text.
Will the word count include text in headers, footers, and footnotes?
Yes, the word count includes all text within the document, including headers, footers, and footnotes.
Can I keep the word count always visible?
Yes, by checking the "Display word count while typing" box, the count will remain visible in the lower-left corner of your document.
Is there a word count feature in the Google Docs mobile app?
Yes, the word count feature is available in the Google Docs mobile app. You can find it under the "Tools" option, similar to the desktop version.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Click on "Tools" in the Menu Bar.
- Select "Word count" from the dropdown menu.
- Check the "Display word count while typing" box.
- Close the word count window.
Conclusion
Showing the word count on Google Docs is a breeze and can greatly enhance your writing experience. Not only does it help you keep track of your word count targets, but it’s also an essential tool for academic and professional writing where word limits are the norm. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or someone who needs to monitor their word usage, this feature is sure to make your life a little easier. So the next time you’re knee-deep in a writing project, don’t forget to keep an eye on that word count – your future self will thank you for it!
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.