Word Count Google Docs: How to Keep Track of Your Writing

Are you trying to figure out how many words you’ve typed in your Google Docs document? Well, you’re in luck because Google Docs has a handy word count feature that’s super easy to use. In less than a minute, you can find out exactly how many words are in your document. Let’s dive into how you can do this.

Step by Step Tutorial: Finding Word Count in Google Docs

Before we jump into the detailed steps, remember that knowing the word count of your document is essential. Whether you’re a student trying to meet a word limit for an assignment, a writer keeping track of your progress, or just curious, Google Docs makes this process straightforward.

Step 1: Open your Google Doc

First, you need to open the Google Docs document for which you want to find the word count.

Once your document is open, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account so that you can access all your documents.

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

Next, you’ll want to click on the ‘Tools’ option in the top menu bar of your Google Docs screen.

The ‘Tools’ menu is where Google Docs keeps all the extra features that help you with your writing. It’s like a treasure chest of helpful tools!

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

From the dropdown menu that appears, click on ‘Word count.’

This is the moment of truth! This simple click is all it takes to reveal your document’s word count.

Step 4: View your word count

A small window will pop up showing you the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces in your document.

The pop-up window is pretty straightforward. It gives you not only the word count but also some extra details that might be useful, depending on your needs.

After completing these steps, the word count window will automatically close, and you can go back to working on your document. It’s a quick and painless way to check your progress or ensure you’re meeting any requirements.

Tips for Managing Word Count Google Docs

Here are some tips that can help you with managing word count in Google Docs:

• Save the word count window by clicking on the checkbox ‘Display word count while typing’ for real-time tracking.
• If you need to know the word count of a specific section, highlight that section before opening the word count tool.
• Remember that the word count tool counts everything in the document, including text in headers, footers, and footnotes.
• The word count tool is available in Google Docs on both desktop and mobile versions.
• Use the word count frequently if you’re working on a document with a strict word limit to avoid going overboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs word count include spaces?

No, Google Docs word count does not include spaces. It gives you two character counts, one with and one without spaces.

Can I see the word count as I type?

Yes, there’s an option in the word count window to ‘Display word count while typing’ which shows a live word count at the bottom of your document.

Does the word count tool work on the Google Docs mobile app?

Yes, the word count tool works in the Google Docs mobile app. The steps are slightly different but just as easy.

Will the word count feature count words in other languages?

Yes, Google Docs will count words in any language. However, it may not correctly count complex characters or symbols from some languages.

Can I get a word count for a specific section of my document?

Yes, you can get a word count for a specific section by highlighting that section before you click on the word count option.

Summary

1. Open your Google Doc
2. Click on ‘Tools’
3. Select ‘Word count’
4. View your word count

Conclusion

Knowing the word count of your document is crucial for many reasons, and luckily, Google Docs makes it simple to track. Whether you’re working on an essay with a strict word limit, tracking the length of a manuscript, or just curious about the length of your writing, the word count feature in Google Docs is a tool you’ll find yourself using time and time again. With the practical tips provided, you can manage your word counts like a pro, ensuring your documents are always precisely as long as they need to be. So, next time you’re working on a piece in Google Docs, don’t forget to take advantage of this handy feature – your word count google docs tool awaits!