Whether you're a student working on an essay, a freelancer submitting an article, or a professional writing a report, knowing your word count in Google Docs is essential. Thankfully, Google Docs offers a simple and efficient way to track how many words you’ve written — and even more helpful tools for writers. In this post, we’ll show you how to see word count in Google Docs, both on desktop and mobile. 🧠✨
💻 How to Check Word Count in Google Docs on Desktop 🖥️
To check the number of words in Google Docs on your computer:
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Open your document in Google Docs.
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Click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the page.
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Select "Word count" from the dropdown menu.
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A small window will pop up showing:
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Words
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Characters
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Characters excluding spaces
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Pages
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📝 Tip: Check the box that says "Display word count while typing" to see a live word count in the bottom-left corner of your document.
This method is especially useful for writers keeping track of word goals, such as blog posts, SEO content, and assignments with specific length requirements.
📱 How to See Word Count in Google Docs on Mobile 📲
If you're using the Google Docs app on Android or iOS:
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Open the document you want to analyze.
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Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
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Select "Word count" from the list.
This will display the total number of words, characters, and characters without spaces, just like the desktop version.
📌 Note: You’ll need to update to the latest version of the app if you don’t see this option.
🧮 Why Knowing Word Count in Google Docs Matters ✨
Here’s why checking your word count in Google Docs is more than just a numbers game:
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✅ Helps meet SEO requirements for blog posts.
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✅ Keeps your writing within assigned limits or goals.
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✅ Assists in tracking progress for NaNoWriMo, essays, and more.
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✅ Useful when translating or paraphrasing to maintain similar length.
Whether you're aiming for a 1,500-word article or keeping your job application brief, having quick access to your word count saves time and effort.
🔁 Bonus: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed It Up ⌨️
For even faster access, try this keyboard shortcut:
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Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows/Chrome OS)
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Command + Shift + C (Mac)
This instantly brings up the word count box without clicking through menus. It’s perfect for writers on a deadline who need efficiency.