Tracking your word count on Google Docs is super simple and quick. All you need to do is click on ‘Tools’ in the menu bar, select ‘Word count’ from the dropdown, and a box pops up displaying the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces. Now, let’s dive in deeper, shall we?
Step by Step Tutorial: Doing a Word Count on Google Docs
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand that knowing your document’s word count is essential for meeting requirements for essays, reports, or articles. Whether you are a student, a writer, or just someone who needs to keep track of their word use, Google Docs makes it easy for you.
Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs
Open the Google Docs document you want to check the word count for.
Opening your document is the first step because you need to be able to see the text you’re working with. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and that you have the right document open.
Step 2: Click on ‘Tools’ in the menu bar
Find and click on the ‘Tools’ option in the menu bar at the top of your Google Docs page.
The ‘Tools’ option is where all the extra features of Google Docs are tucked away, including the word count feature. It’s like opening a treasure chest of helpful tools that can make your document just right.
Step 3: Select ‘Word count’ from the dropdown menu
In the dropdown menu that appears, click on ‘Word count.’
Once you click on ‘Word count,’ a small window pops up almost instantly. It’s like having a little assistant that’s waiting to give you the information you need with just a click.
Step 4: View your word count
The word count box shows the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces.
This box is pretty straightforward. It tells you everything you need to know about how long your document is. It’s like having a mini report on your document’s length.
After you complete these steps, the word count box will remain open until you click ‘OK’ to close it. This allows you to take note of the information or make any necessary changes to your document based on the word count.
Tips for Word Count on Google Docs
- If you want to check the word count for a specific section of text, simply highlight that section before following the steps above.
- Keep in mind that the word count feature also counts words in headers, footers, and footnotes.
- If you are aiming for a specific word count, the live word count feature can help you keep track as you type. Just keep the word count box open while you work.
- The shortcut key for opening the word count box is Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac).
- Google Docs automatically updates the word count as you add or delete text, so you can rely on the numbers being accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between characters and characters excluding spaces?
Characters include everything, even spaces between words. Characters excluding spaces count everything but the spaces.
Think of it this way: if you were to squish all your words together without any spaces, that’s your character count excluding spaces. It’s like counting all the letters and punctuation marks without giving them room to breathe.
Does the word count feature include text in tables?
Yes, text within tables is included in the overall word count.
Tables are just another way to organize your information in a document, so Google Docs counts the words in them just like any other text.
Can I keep the word count box open while I type?
Yes, you can keep the word count box open as you type to see a live count.
It’s like having a little scoreboard for your writing. Every word you type adds to your total, and you can watch your count grow in real time.
Is there a way to see the word count without clicking through the menu?
Yes, using the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) will open the word count box directly.
Shortcuts are like secret handshakes for your keyboard. They get you where you need to go faster.
Is the word count feature available on the Google Docs mobile app?
The word count feature is not currently available on the mobile app, but you can access it through the Google Docs desktop site on your mobile browser.
While the mobile app is great for quick edits on the go, sometimes you need the full suite of tools available on the desktop site for more detailed work.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Click on ‘Tools’ in the menu bar.
- Select ‘Word count’ from the dropdown menu.
- View your word count in the pop-up box.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks – a comprehensive guide on how to do a word count on Google Docs. It’s a piece of cake, right? Whether you’re working on an important project for work, crafting your next masterpiece, or just curious about your writing habits, tracking your word count is a valuable tool. It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about becoming a more efficient and mindful writer. So, the next time you’re typing away in Google Docs, remember this guide. And who knows? Maybe keeping an eye on that word count will inspire you to write more, write less, or just write better. Now, go forth and count those words like a pro!
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.