How to Check Word Count on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking word count on Google Docs is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you need to meet a word limit for an assignment or just want to keep track of your document’s length, Google Docs makes it easy to see how many words you’ve written.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Check Word Count on Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might need to check your word count. Whether you’re a student writing an essay, a professional crafting a report, or an author working on your next novel, keeping track of your word count is crucial. It helps ensure you’re meeting any required word counts and can also be a helpful tool for editing and revising your work.

Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs

Log into your Google account and open the document you want to check.

Opening your document is the first step in checking your word count. Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account and have your document accessible.

Step 2: Click on ‘Tools’ in the top menu bar

Find ‘Tools’ in the menu bar at the top of your Google Docs page and click on it.

The ‘Tools’ button is where you’ll find a range of options to help you with your document, including the word count feature.

Step 3: Select ‘Word count’ from the dropdown menu

After clicking ‘Tools’, look for ‘Word count’ in the dropdown menu and click on it.

The ‘Word count’ option is usually near the bottom of the ‘Tools’ dropdown menu. Selecting it will bring up the word count for your document.

After completing these steps, a small window will pop up showing you the total number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces in your document. This information can help you determine if you need to add more content, cut down on wordiness, or if you’re right on track.

Tips for Checking Word Count on Google Docs

• Tip 1: Use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl+Shift+C’ (Cmd+Shift+C on a Mac) to quickly open the word count window.
• Tip 2: Remember that the word count tool also counts words in headers, footers, and footnotes.
• Tip 3: If you only need to check the word count for a specific section, highlight that section before opening the word count tool.
• Tip 4: Google Docs automatically saves your document, so you don’t need to worry about losing your progress when checking word count.
• Tip 5: The word count tool is also available on the Google Docs mobile app, so you can check your document’s length on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs word count include text in tables?

Yes, Google Docs includes any text within tables in the overall word count for your document.

Can you see the word count as you type in Google Docs?

Currently, Google Docs does not have a feature that displays the word count in real-time as you type, but you can quickly check it using the steps above or the keyboard shortcut.

Is the word count in Google Docs accurate?

Yes, the word count in Google Docs is accurate and counts every word in your document, including those in headers, footers, and footnotes.

Can you exclude certain sections from the word count?

While you cannot automatically exclude sections, you can manually highlight the text you want to include and check the word count for that selection only.

Does the word count feature work on all devices?

The word count feature works on desktop computers, laptops, and the Google Docs mobile app for smartphones and tablets.

Summary

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. Click on ‘Tools’ in the top menu bar.
3. Select ‘Word count’ from the dropdown menu.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a simple and straightforward guide on how to check word count on google docs. Whether you’re a student trying to meet a word count for an essay or a professional keeping track of report length, knowing how to quickly and accurately determine your document’s word count is an essential skill in today’s digital world. With these easy steps, you’ll be able to keep your writing on track and ensure you’re meeting any necessary requirements. Plus, with the additional tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you’ll be a Google Docs word count expert in no time. So go ahead, give it a try, and take control of your writing today!