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

Checking the word count of your document in Google Docs is a handy skill, particularly if you’re working to a limit or simply curious about the length of your work. It’s a simple task that can be completed in a few clicks. After reading this brief overview, you’ll know exactly what to do to get that word count.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check Words on Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, let’s get an idea of what we’re about to do. Google Docs has a built-in feature that allows users to check the word count of their documents. This tool is not just limited to word count; it also provides information on the number of pages, characters, and characters excluding spaces. Let’s explore how to use this feature.

Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs

Simply go to Google Docs and open the document you want to check.

Opening your document is the first step. You need to be in the document where you want the word count to be checked. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account, so you have access to all your documents.

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

You’ll find the ‘Tools’ option at the top of the page in the menu bar.

Once you click on ‘Tools,’ a dropdown menu will appear with various options. This is where Google Docs hides all its cool features that help you manage your document.

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

‘Word count’ is usually the fifth option from the top in the ‘Tools’ dropdown menu.

After you click on ‘Word count,’ a small window will pop up with the statistics of your document. This is where you’ll find the number of words among other useful information.

After completing these steps, a window will pop up displaying the word count along with the number of pages, characters, and characters excluding spaces. It’s a quick and straightforward process that can be repeated as often as needed during your writing.

Tips: Making the Most of Google Docs Word Count

• If you need the word count to show continuously as you type, check the box that says “Display word count while typing” in the word count window.
• You can access the word count quickly by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (or Command+Shift+C on a Mac).
• The word count tool also counts words in footnotes and endnotes if they are part of the document’s text.
• Remember that Google Docs automatically saves your document, so if you leave the page after checking your word count, you won’t lose any work.
• If you’re writing to a specific word limit, use the word count tool periodically to ensure you’re on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs word count include spaces?

No, Google Docs has a separate count for characters excluding spaces, which means the word count does not include spaces.

Can I see the word count for a specific section of the document?

Yes, you can highlight the text for which you want to check the word count and then follow the steps to view the count for the selected text.

Is there a limit to how many words Google Docs can count?

As of now, there is no published limit to how many words Google Docs can count. Google Docs can handle very long documents with ease.

Can I check the word count on Google Docs mobile app?

Yes, the mobile app also has a word count feature, which can be found under the ‘Tools’ section in the app’s menu.

Why is the word count important?

Word count is important for writers to ensure they meet the requirements of assignments, essays, articles, or even tweets that have character limits.

Summary

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

Conclusion

Mastering the word count feature in Google Docs is essential for writers, students, and professionals alike. It’s one of those skills that seem trivial but can significantly impact your writing process—especially when working with constraints. Google Docs continues to offer a versatile platform for document creation and management, and the word count feature is just one of the many tools that make this platform so user-friendly and efficient. Whether you’re penning your next novel, preparing a report, or crafting that perfect essay, keeping tabs on your word count can help you stay concise and on point. So, the next time you’re working on a document, remember these steps to quickly check your word count and continue writing with confidence.