How to Get a Word Count in Microsoft Word for Office 365: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a word count in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a piece of cake! Simply click on the “Review” tab at the top of the Word document, and then click on “Word Count” in the “Proofing” group. A box will pop up that tells you the total number of words in your document. Easy, right?

After you complete the action, you’ll have a clear idea of how many words you’ve written, which can be especially useful if you’re trying to meet a specific word count requirement for a school essay, a report for work, or any other project.

Introduction

Have you ever been in the middle of typing a document and wondered, “How many words have I written so far?” Whether you’re a student trying to meet a word count requirement for a paper, a professional preparing a report, or a writer keeping track of your progress, knowing how to check your word count in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a must. This simple feature can save you from the stress of guessing and help you manage your writing more effectively.

Plus, it’s super easy to use! In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of getting a word count in Microsoft Word, explain the pros and cons of this feature, and provide additional information that will make your writing process smoother. So, let’s get started and turn you into a word count wizard!

Related: How to Get a Word Count for a Document in Google Docs

Step by Step Tutorial: Getting a Word Count in Microsoft Word for Office 365

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re going to accomplish. Using the word count feature in Microsoft Word for Office 365, you’ll be able to quickly and easily see the total number of words you’ve written in your document. This is incredibly useful for keeping track of your progress and ensuring you’re meeting any word count goals you have.

Step 1: Open your document in Microsoft Word for Office 365

Open the Word document you want to get the word count for.

When you’ve got your document open, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step. Make sure you’re in the “Home” view so you can easily access the tabs at the top of the page.

Step 2: Click on the “Review” tab

Find and click on the “Review” tab at the top of the Word document.

The “Review” tab is where you’ll find tools for proofing and reviewing your document. It’s located between the “Layout” and “View” tabs.

Step 3: Click on “Word Count” in the “Proofing” group

In the “Proofing” group within the “Review” tab, click on “Word Count.”

The “Word Count” button looks like a small box with “123” written on it. It’s usually the first button in the “Proofing” group.

Step 4: View your word count

A box will pop up displaying your word count, along with other statistics like characters, paragraphs, and pages.

The word count box is straightforward and easy to read. It gives you a detailed breakdown of various elements in your document, not just the total number of words.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Tracks Progress	Knowing your word count helps you track how much you’ve written and how far you still have to go.
Meets Requirements	For assignments or publications with specific word count limits, this feature ensures you stay within the required range.
Time Management	Understanding your word count can help you manage your time more effectively, especially if you’re on a deadline.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Can Be Distracting	Constantly checking the word count might interrupt your writing flow and distract you from the task at hand.
Not Always Accurate	Word count might not include text in headers, footers, or text boxes unless specifically selected.
Overemphasis on Quantity	Focusing too much on hitting a word count can lead to a decrease in the quality of your writing.

Additional Information

While the steps above will definitely get you to your word count in Microsoft Word for Office 365, there are a few extra tidbits that might come in handy. For instance, did you know that you can also see your word count on the status bar at the bottom of your Word document? If it’s not showing up, simply right-click on the status bar and select “Word Count.” Now, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your word count as you write without going through the steps each time.

Also, if you’re only interested in the word count of a specific section of your document, just highlight that section before clicking on “Word Count.” Microsoft Word will then give you the word count for just the highlighted text. Pretty nifty, right?

Summary

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word for Office 365.
2. Click on the “Review” tab.
3. Click on “Word Count” in the “Proofing” group.
4. View your word count in the pop-up box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the word count include text in headers and footers?

No, the default word count does not include text in headers, footers, or text boxes unless you select the text in those areas before clicking on “Word Count.”

Can I see the word count without clicking on the “Word Count” button?

Yes, you can enable the word count on the status bar at the bottom of your Word document by right-clicking on the status bar and selecting “Word Count.”

Is the word count feature available in all versions of Microsoft Word?

The word count feature is available in most versions of Microsoft Word, including Office 365, though the steps to access it may vary slightly.

Can I get a word count for a selected portion of text?

Yes, simply highlight the portion of text you want to count before clicking on “Word Count,” and Microsoft Word will give you the word count for that specific selection.

Does the word count feature count words in text boxes?

By default, it does not. However, if you select the text inside the text box before clicking on “Word Count,” it will include those words in the total count.

Conclusion

Knowing how to get a word count in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a valuable skill that can make your writing process more efficient and effective. Whether you’re trying to meet a word limit for an assignment or keeping track of your writing progress, the word count feature is a handy tool to have at your disposal.

Remember, while it’s important to be aware of your word count, don’t let the numbers overshadow the quality of your work. Focus on writing clearly and concisely, and let the word count be a helpful guide, not a strict ruler. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, go forth and write with confidence, keeping an eye on your progress and staying within any required word limits. Happy writing!