How to Check Word Count on Google Docs : 4 Easy Methods

Check Word Count in Google Docs - Quick Steps

• Visit Google Docs >> Open a Document
• Click on Tools in the top menu
• Select Word count to view word, character, and page counts.

Whether you're writing an essay, report, or blog post, knowing your word count in Google Docs is essential for meeting assignment or publication requirements. Luckily, checking the word count in Google Docs is quick and easy, and there are several ways to do it depending on your device.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through four different ways to check the word count in Google Docs. We've got you covered, whether you're using the Tools menu on your laptop or desktop, checking word count while typing, selecting text, or even using mobile devices (Android & iPhone). You’ll also learn to install a browser extension for quick word count checks.

Method 1: Using the Tools Menu to Check Word Count (Laptop/Desktop)

Using the Tools menu in Google Docs is one of the easiest ways to check word count on your laptop/desktop. This built-in feature provides detailed information about words, characters, and page count for the entire document or a selected section. Here are the following steps to find word count in google docs:

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Visit the official Google Docs website in your web browser.

Step 2: Open the Document

After navigating to Google Docs, select the document you want to check the word count for.

Step 3: Go to the Tools Menu

On the top navigation bar, click on Tools to open a dropdown menu.

Step 4: Click on Word Count

Click Word Count to display the document statistics.

Step 5: Preview Word Count Details

The pop-up window will display detailed word count information, including the following:

• Total word count for the document
• Character count (with and without spaces)
• Page count

Click OK to close the window once you're done reviewing the information.

Note:

• For Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + C to instantly open the word count window, displaying word count, character count, and more.
• For Mac: Press Command (⌘) + Shift + C to bring up the word count window with key statistics like word count and character count.

How to Count the Number of Words While you Type Online

If you want to track your word count while typing in Google Docs, you can enable display word count while typing through the Word Count pop-up. This feature is particularly useful for writers, students, journalists, and anyone who needs to meet specific word count requirements while working on a document.

Here's how to do it:

In the Word Count pop-up, check the box that says “Display word count while typing”. Once enabled, the word count will be shown in the bottom left corner of your document as you type.

You will be able to see the word count updating in real-time as you write, without needing to manually check it again.

Method 2: Check the Word Count of Highlighted Words in Google Docs

Google Docs not only allows you to check the word count for your entire document but also gives you the flexibility to find the word count for a selected portion of text. This is useful when you only need to know the word count for a specific section of your document, such as a paragraph or a few sentences. Here are the following steps to see word count in google docs:

Step 1: Open Your Google Doc

Start by opening the Google Doc where you wish to check the word count. You can access any document from your Google Drive or start a new one.

Step 2: Select the Text

Highlight the section of text for which you want to check the word count. You can select any part of your document, including paragraphs, sentences, or even individual words.

Step 3: Go to the Tools Menu

With your text selected, click on the “Tools” menu located at the top of your screen. This will open a drop-down list of options.

Step 4: Click on Word Count

In the Tools menu, click on “Word count.” A dialog box will appear showing the word count for the entire document. However, since you selected a portion of text, the word count for the selection will also be displayed.

Step 5: View Word Count Details

Review the word count for the selected text, which will be shown alongside the total word count for the entire document. If you wish to close the word count dialog, click “OK.”

Method 3: Checking Word Count in Google Docs on Android

If you're using Google Docs on your Android device, you can easily see the word count of your document. Here's how:

Step 1: Install Google Docs

Download and install the Google Docs app from from the GooglePlay Store application.

Step 2: Opening the Document

Once the app is installed, open the document you wish to check for word count.

Step 3: Click on Menu (Three Dots) Icon

On the top-right corner of the app, tap the three dots (Menu icon)

Step 4: Select Word Count

From the dropdown menu, tap Word Count to view the document's word statistics.

Step 5: View the Word Count Details

A pop-up window will show detailed word count information, including the total number of words, characters, and other relevant stats.

Method 4: Checking Word Count in Google Docs on iPhone

To view the word count in Google Docs on all iOS devices(iPhone, iPad), use the mobile app to open your document and navigate to the menu options. The steps are quick and user-friendly, making it easy to track your document statistics:

Step 1: Install Google Docs and Open the Document

Download and open the Google Docs app from the App Store. Open the document you want to check.

Step 2: Tap the Menu Icon (Three Dots)

In the top-right corner of the app, tap the three horizontal dots to open the menu.

Step 3: Select Word Count

Tap on the Word Count option from the menu to view the document statistics.

Step 4: View Word Count Details

Review the word count details and tap OK to close the window.

How to See your Word Count In Google Docs Using a Browser Extension

If you want a more advanced word count tool or prefer to use a browser extension, you can follow these steps to install and use a word count extension for Google Docs:

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Launch Google Docs in your web browser and open the document you want to check the word count for.

Step 2: Install a Word Count Extension

Go to the Chrome Web Store or your browser’s extension marketplace and search for a Word Count extension like Word Counter Plus or Word Count Tool then Install the extension into your browser.

Step 3: Enable the Extension

After installation, follow the setup instructions to enable the extension. This may require granting it access to your browser or Google Docs.

Step 4: Highlight the Text

Select the portion of the text in your document that you want to count. If you want the word count for the entire document, leave it unselected.

Step 5: Use the Extension and Verify the Count

Click on the extension icon in your browser’s toolbar to view the word count. The extension will display the word count either for the selected text or the entire document.

Also Read:

• How to Use Google Docs Spell Check
• How to Insert Word Art in Google Docs
• How to Count Words in Excel

Conclusion

Being able to see your word count in Google Docs is a handy feature that saves time and helps you meet writing goals. Whether you prefer using the Tools menu, checking for specific sections of text, or utilizing a browser extension, there’s a method that suits every writing style. With the added bonus of learning how to count words as you type, you'll stay on track without interruption.

Plus, by understanding how to check word count on Android and iPhone, you can manage your documents even while on the go. With these tips, keeping tabs on your word count will be effortless, whether you’re drafting short notes or working on longer projects.