Word & Character Counter
Count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs instantly. Estimate reading and speaking time. Free, browser-based, no server required.
How to Use
- Type or paste your text into the input area above.
- All statistics update in real time as you type — no button needed.
- Use the reading and speaking time estimates to plan presentations or check content length.
Worked Examples
Tweet Length Check
Paste a draft tweet and check the Characters stat. X (formerly Twitter) allows 280 characters per post. If your count exceeds 280, trim until it fits.
Essay Word Count
Writing a 500-word essay? Paste your draft and watch the Words counter. You can also verify paragraph structure — most essays need at least 4–5 paragraphs.
Speech Timing
Preparing a 5-minute presentation? Aim for roughly 650 words (at 130 wpm). Paste your script and check Speaking Time to see if you’re on target.
Character Counting Standards
Different platforms count characters differently. Some count Unicode code points (so an emoji may be 1 or 2), while others count UTF-16 code units. This tool counts JavaScript string length, which uses UTF-16 code units — the same method browsers and most web platforms use. For the vast majority of Latin, CJK, and Cyrillic text, one visible character equals one count.
FAQ
What counts as a word?
A word is any sequence of non-whitespace characters separated by spaces, tabs, or newlines. Hyphenated terms like 'well-known' count as one word. Numbers like '42' also count as one word.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is based on an average reading speed of 200 words per minute (wpm), which is the standard for adult English readers. Speaking time uses 130 wpm, typical for presentations and speeches.
What is the difference between characters with and without spaces?
Characters (with spaces) counts every character in your text including spaces, tabs, and newlines. Characters (without spaces) excludes all whitespace, giving you the count of only visible characters.
Is my text sent to a server?
No. All counting happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your text never leaves your device.