How to Put a Word Count on Google Docs
Want to keep track of your word count in Google Docs? It’s a piece of cake! Just head to the Tools menu, select Word Count, and voilà! You can see the word count for your entire document or just a selected section. Knowing how many words you’ve written can help you meet word limits for assignments or articles. Plus, it keeps you on track if you’re aiming to write a certain number each day.
How to Put a Word Count on Google Docs
Tracking your word count in Google Docs is super helpful when you’re writing essays, articles, or reports. The following steps will guide you on how to easily find and use the word count feature in Google Docs.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
First, open the Google Doc you want to check the word count for.
Make sure your document is already saved in Google Docs because this feature is only available there. If you’re working offline, make sure to connect to the internet to access the word count tool.
Step 2: Go to the Tools Menu
Next, click on “Tools” at the top of your screen.
Once you click on Tools, a dropdown menu appears with several options. This menu is where you’ll find different tools to edit and refine your document.
Step 3: Select Word Count
Under the Tools menu, click on “Word Count.”
When you select Word Count, a box will pop up showing the number of words, pages, characters with spaces, and characters without spaces. It’s like a stats board for your document!
Step 4: Check the Word Count Box
Optionally, check the “Display word count while typing” box if you want to see the word count on your screen as you type.
This feature is handy for writers who need to keep a constant eye on the word count without having to open the tool again and again. It updates in real-time!
Step 5: Close the Word Count Box
Finally, once you’ve seen the word count, click “OK” or close the box to continue editing your document.
Now that you’ve reviewed your word count, you can decide if you need to add more content or start editing to meet word limits.
After completing these steps, you’ll easily be able to keep track of the word count in your document. This can help you manage your writing and ensure you stay within word limits for your assignments or publishing guidelines.
Tips for Putting a Word Count on Google Docs
- Ensure that your Google Doc is saved in Google Drive to access the word count feature.
- Use the “Display word count while typing” option for real-time word tracking.
- Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts to access word count quickly (Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows or Command+Shift+C on Mac).
- Remember that Google Docs counts all words, including those in footnotes and headers.
- Use the word count feature to manage your writing goals and stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I see the word count for a specific section of my document?
Select the text you want to count, then go to Tools > Word Count, and it will show the count for just that section.
Does Google Docs count words in headers and footnotes?
Yes, Google Docs includes all words in headers and footnotes in the total word count.
Can I print my document with the word count displayed?
No, the word count display is only visible on your screen and will not show up in printed documents.
Is there a way to see the word count without opening the Tools menu?
Yes, use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows or Command+Shift+C on Mac to quickly access the word count.
Why is the word count important?
Knowing your word count helps you meet word limit requirements for assignments and articles, and also helps manage your writing effectively.
Summary of Steps
- Open your Google Doc.
- Go to the Tools menu.
- Select Word Count.
- Check the word count box if desired.
- Close the word count box.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the simple steps to put a word count on Google Docs. Tracking your word count is like having a map when you’re on a journey. It guides you, showing how far you’ve come and how much further you need to go. Whether you’re writing an article, an essay, or any piece of content, knowing the word count is crucial. It ensures that you meet word limits and helps you gauge your writing pace.
If you’re someone who writes regularly, using the real-time word count display can be a game changer. It keeps you in the loop without interrupting your writing flow. Plus, accessing the word count is quick and easy with the shortcut keys.
If you haven’t yet explored this feature in Google Docs, now’s a great time to start. You’ll find it not only useful but also a bit like having a personal assistant keeping track of your words. Happy writing, and may your words flow freely and your word counts always meet the mark!
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.