How does the word counter count words?

Words are counted as sequences of letters, numbers or apostrophes separated by spaces or punctuation — the same convention used by word processors. Hyphenated compounds like “state-of-the-art” count as one word.

Does it count characters with and without spaces?

Yes — both figures are shown. Character-with-spaces is what most platform limits (like meta descriptions or tweets) measure; character-without-spaces is common for translation and typesetting quotes.

How is reading time calculated?

Reading time uses an average adult silent-reading speed of 238 words per minute; speaking time uses a typical presentation pace of 130 words per minute. Both are estimates — complex material reads slower.

Is my text uploaded anywhere?

No. The word counter runs entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Your text never leaves your device, which makes it safe for confidential documents.

Word Counter — Count Words & Characters

Instant word, character, sentence and paragraph counts as you type — plus reading time, speaking time and your most frequent words. Everything runs in your browser.

Why use this word counter?

Live counts as you type

Words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences and paragraphs update instantly — no button to press.

Reading & speaking time

See how long your text takes to read (238 wpm) and to speak aloud (130 wpm) — essential for speeches and videos.

Keyword density

Your most frequent words at a glance, so you can spot repetition and check keyword usage for SEO.

100% private

Counting happens entirely in your browser. Your text is never sent to any server.

How to use the word counter

Paste or type your text
Counts update live as you write — no button needed.
Check the stats
Words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, reading time and speaking time appear next to the editor.
Review keyword density
Scan your most frequent words to catch repetition or verify SEO keyword usage.

About this word counter

Every writing context has a number attached: 500-word essays, 160-character meta descriptions, 280-character posts, 20-minute talks. This free word counter gives you all of those numbers live as you type — words, characters with and without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, reading time and speaking time — with zero clicks.

The keyword-density panel shows your most frequent words, which serves two audiences at once: writers spotting unintentional repetition, and SEO specialists checking that a page actually uses its target keyword at a sensible rate.

Unlike the AI tools on this site, the word counter is fully client-side: your text is processed in your browser and never transmitted, so it's safe for contracts, manuscripts and anything confidential.

Frequently asked questions

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