How to Remove Footnotes from Word Count
Removing footnotes from your word count in a Word document is a simple process. In just a few steps, you can exclude footnote text from your total word count. This is handy when you need to meet specific word limits or just want to focus on the main content. Follow the steps below to achieve this.
Removing Footnotes from Word Count
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to remove footnotes from your word count in Microsoft Word. By the end, you will be able to see your word count without including footnotes.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
Open the document from which you want to exclude footnotes in Microsoft Word.
Once your document is open, ensure it contains footnotes that you want to exclude from the word count.
Step 2: Access the Word Count Dialog Box
Go to the ‘Review’ tab on the Ribbon and click on ‘Word Count’.
This opens the Word Count dialog box, which shows various statistics about your document, including the total word count.
Step 3: Deselect "Include Footnotes and Endnotes"
In the Word Count dialog box, uncheck the box labeled "Include footnotes and endnotes."
This action will exclude footnotes from the total word count displayed in the dialog box.
Step 4: Review Your New Word Count
Click ‘OK’ to confirm and close the Word Count dialog box.
Now, your document’s word count will be displayed without the footnotes, giving you the main text’s word count.
After completing these steps, your word count will no longer include footnotes. You’ll have a clearer picture of your document’s length, excluding any explanatory or additional text in footnotes.
Tips for Removing Footnotes from Word Count
- Save Your Document: Always save your document before making any changes to ensure you have a backup.
- Double-Check: After unchecking the box, double-check your word count to make sure it looks correct.
- Track Changes Off: Turn off Track Changes before counting words, as it can affect the final count.
- Review Footnotes: Manually review footnotes to confirm they are not needed in the word count.
- Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to speed up accessing the Word Count dialog box (Alt + R + W).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this method work in all versions of Microsoft Word?
Yes, this method works in most versions of Microsoft Word, but the steps might slightly vary depending on the version.
Can I include footnotes again in the word count?
Yes, you can recheck the "Include footnotes and endnotes" box in the Word Count dialog box to include them again.
What if I have endnotes instead of footnotes?
The process is the same. Unchecking the box will exclude both footnotes and endnotes from the word count.
Does this affect the word count in headers and footers?
No, this method only affects footnotes and endnotes. Headers and footers are not included in the word count by default.
Can I exclude footnotes in other word processors?
Yes, but the steps will vary. Refer to the help section of your specific word processor for instructions.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Go to ‘Review’ and click ‘Word Count’.
- Uncheck "Include footnotes and endnotes".
- Review your new word count.
Conclusion
Removing footnotes from your word count is a straightforward process that can make your document more streamlined and focused. Whether you’re a student trying to meet a word limit for an essay or a professional working on a report, excluding footnotes ensures you count only the main content.
It’s an easy feature to use, but highly useful, making your writing and editing tasks more efficient. Knowing how to manage your word count effectively can make a significant difference in your writing process. For further reading, you might want to explore more advanced Word features that can help optimize your document.
Now that you know how to remove footnotes from word count, give it a try in your next Word document!
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.