Want to know how many words you’ve typed in a Word document? It’s super easy! You just need to locate the word count feature in the software, and you’ll get all the details you need in no time. Whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or a story, knowing your word count can help you stay on track with your writing goals.
How to See Word Count on Word
In this section, I’ll walk you through the process of finding the word count in Microsoft Word. Follow these simple steps to quickly see how many words are in your document.
Step 1: Open Your Document
Open the Microsoft Word document you want to check.
Once your document is open, you’ll have access to all the tools available in Word. Make sure it’s the right document, so you don’t get confused with word counts from other files.
Step 2: Locate the Word Count Feature
Look at the bottom-left corner of the Word window.
You’ll see the word count displayed there. It’s usually on the status bar alongside the page number and other information. This gives you an instant glance at your word count.
Step 3: Click on the Word Count
Click on the word count located at the bottom-left.
When you click on it, a pop-up window will appear with more detailed statistics. You’ll see not only the number of words but also the number of pages, characters (with and without spaces), paragraphs, and lines.
Step 4: Use the Review Tab
Alternatively, you can go to the ‘Review’ tab at the top of the screen.
In the Review tab, look for the ‘Word Count’ button. Clicking this will also bring up the detailed statistics window. This method is useful if you’re already using tools in the Review tab for other tasks.
Step 5: Highlight Specific Text
If you want to know the word count of a specific section, highlight the text and then check the word count.
The status bar will now show the word count for the selected text only. This is particularly handy if you need to know the length of a particular section or paragraph.
After completing these steps, you’ll see the total number of words in your document. You can keep track of your word count as you write, ensuring you meet your writing goals.
Tips for Seeing Word Count on Word
- Check Regularly: Keep an eye on your word count as you write to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to quickly access the word count feature.
- Track Sections: Use the highlight method to track different sections of your document.
- Customize Status Bar: Right-click on the status bar to customize and ensure the word count is always visible.
- Compare Versions: Use the word count feature to compare different versions of your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the word count on my phone?
Yes, when using the Word app on your phone, you can still check the word count. Look for the ‘Review’ option in the menu.
Does the word count include footnotes?
By default, footnotes are not included in the word count. You can modify this in the word count options.
Can I set a word count goal?
Yes, some versions of Word allow you to set a word count goal. This feature helps you track progress toward your target.
Is there a way to exclude certain sections from the word count?
You can manually subtract words from sections like footnotes or appendices by highlighting the main text only.
Can I see a breakdown of word count by chapter?
If your document is divided into chapters, you can highlight each chapter and check the word count for each one separately.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Locate the word count feature.
- Click on the word count.
- Use the Review tab.
- Highlight specific text.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Knowing how to see the word count on Word can be a game-changer for your writing projects. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that helps you stay on track and meet your goals, whether you’re working on a school assignment, a professional report, or your next great novel. So, don’t ignore this handy feature—make it a part of your writing routine. For more tips and tricks on using Microsoft Word effectively, stay tuned to our future articles!
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.