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. ๐ง ✨
๐ป How to Check Word Count in Google Docs on Desktop ๐ฅ️
To check the number of words in Google Docs on your computer:
-
Open your document in Google Docs.
-
Click on the "Tools" menu at the top of the page.
-
Select "Word count" from the dropdown menu.
-
A small window will pop up showing:
-
Words
-
Characters
-
Characters excluding spaces
-
Pages
-
๐ 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.
๐ฑ How to See Word Count in Google Docs on Mobile ๐ฒ
If you're using the Google Docs app on Android or iOS:
-
Open the document you want to analyze.
-
Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
-
Select "Word count" from the list.
This will display the total number of words, characters, and characters without spaces, just like the desktop version.
๐ Note: You’ll need to update to the latest version of the app if you don’t see this option.
๐งฎ 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:
-
✅ Helps meet SEO requirements for blog posts.
-
✅ Keeps your writing within assigned limits or goals.
-
✅ Assists in tracking progress for NaNoWriMo, essays, and more.
-
✅ 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.
๐ Bonus: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed It Up ⌨️
For even faster access, try this keyboard shortcut:
-
Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows/Chrome OS)
-
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.