Checking how many words you’ve written on Google Docs is a straightforward process. Simply open your document, click on the “Tools” menu at the top, and select “Word count” from the dropdown. A small box will pop up on your screen, showing you the total number of words in your document. This feature can save you a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re working on a project with word count requirements.
How to Check How Many Words You’ve Written on Google Docs
In this section, we’ll break down the simple steps you need to follow to find the word count in Google Docs. Whether you’re a student working on an essay or a writer checking your latest masterpiece, these steps will guide you.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
First, open your Google Docs document where you want to check the word count.
Once your document is open, you’ll see a toolbar at the top of the page. Make sure the document you want to count words for is fully loaded and ready to go.
Step 2: Click on the “Tools” Menu
Navigate to the top of the page and click on the “Tools” menu.
The “Tools” menu is located in the toolbar at the top, alongside other menus like “File” and “Edit.” Clicking on it will open a dropdown list of options.
Step 3: Select “Word count” from the Dropdown
From the dropdown menu, click on “Word count.”
This option will be towards the middle of the dropdown list. Clicking it will trigger a small window to appear.
Step 4: View the Word Count Box
A box will pop up showing the word count of your document.
In this box, you’ll not only see the total word count but also details like characters with and without spaces, and the number of pages.
Step 5: Close the Word Count Box
Click “OK” or simply click outside the box to close it.
The box will disappear, allowing you to return to your document and continue working.
After you complete these actions, you will have an accurate count of the words in your Google Docs document. This can be crucial when writing essays, reports, or any document where word count matters.
Tips for Checking How Many Words You’ve Written on Google Docs
- Use keyboard shortcuts: Press Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows or Command + Shift + C on Mac to quickly open the word count window.
- Count selected text: Highlight a section of text before checking the word count to see how many words are in that specific selection.
- Track word count as you type: Enable the option to display the word count at the bottom of your screen for real-time tracking.
- Check word count on mobile: On the Google Docs app, tap the "More" button (three dots) and then "Word count."
- Understand the details: The word count box gives you more than just the number of words; it includes characters and pages too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check the word count on my phone?
Yes, you can! In the Google Docs app, tap the three dots on the upper right, then select "Word count."
Is there a shortcut to open the word count box?
Yes, you can press Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows or Command + Shift + C on Mac to quickly check word count.
Can I see the word count of a specific section?
Absolutely, just highlight the section of text before you check the word count, and it will show the count for just that part.
Will the word count include footnotes?
No, Google Docs does not include footnotes in the word count.
Can I keep the word count visible as I type?
Yes, you can choose to display the word count at the bottom of your screen for continuous updates.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Click on the “Tools” menu.
- Select “Word count” from the dropdown.
- View the word count box.
- Close the word count box.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to check how many words you’ve written on Google Docs, you’re equipped to handle any word count requirements that come your way. Whether you’re crafting a paper for school or writing a blog post, keeping track of your word count can help ensure you meet your goals.
Taking a few moments to check the word count can save you from the headache of manual counting or the surprise of being over the limit. Google Docs makes this process as easy as pie, allowing you to focus more on the quality of your writing and less on the numbers.
If you enjoyed learning this trick, consider exploring other features Google Docs offers. From collaboration tools to advanced formatting options, there’s a whole world to discover within this powerful tool. Keep writing, keep growing, and remember, the right tool can make all the difference in your writing journey.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.