How to See Word Count in Google Docs
Seeing the word count in Google Docs is a simple task that can help you track the length of your document. To check the word count, open your Google Docs file, click on "Tools" in the top menu, and select "Word count" from the dropdown list. A window will pop up, displaying the word count, character count, and more. This quick overview can help you stay on track with your writing goals.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to See Word Count in Google Docs
Knowing your word count is crucial, whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or any other document. Here’s how to check it in Google Docs.
Step 1: Open Your Google Docs Document
Open the Google Docs file you want to check.
Make sure you’re logged into your Google account. If you don’t have a specific document open yet, you can start a new one. Simply go to docs.google.com and select the document you want to work on from your Google Drive.
Step 2: Click on "Tools" in the Top Menu
Find the "Tools" option at the top of your screen in the menu bar.
This is where Google has tucked away a bunch of helpful features. By clicking "Tools," you’re one step closer to finding the word count.
Step 3: Select "Word Count" from the Dropdown
Look for "Word count" in the dropdown list and click on it.
Once you click "Word count," a small window will pop up on your screen. This window shows not only the number of words but also the number of pages and characters in your document.
Step 4: View the Word Count Window
The window will display your document’s word count and other statistics.
In addition to the total word count, you’ll see the character count both with and without spaces. It’s a handy tool for making sure you meet any specific requirements for length.
Step 5: Close the Word Count Window
Click "OK" or the "X" button to close the window when you’re done.
Once you’ve noted your word count, you can easily close the window and get back to writing. If you need to check again later, just repeat these steps.
After you complete these actions, you’ll have an accurate word count of your document right at your fingertips. This information can guide you as you write, ensuring you stay within any required limits.
Tips for Seeing Word Count in Google Docs
- Use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) to quickly access the word count.
- Keep the "Display word count while typing" option checked for continuous monitoring.
- Remember that the word count includes every word and character in the document.
- Consider using the word count tool to track progress for each writing session.
- Use the word count feature to set and achieve daily writing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I see the word count on my phone?
To see the word count on your phone, open the Google Docs app, tap the three dots in the upper right corner, and select "Word Count."
Can I track word count as I type?
Yes, you can enable "Display word count while typing" for real-time updates on your word count.
Does Google Docs include footnotes in the word count?
No, Google Docs does not count words in footnotes in the overall word count.
Is there a way to see the word count of a specific section?
Yes, highlight the specific section and follow the same steps. The word count window will show the count for the selected text.
Can I see character counts as well?
Absolutely! The word count window also provides character counts with and without spaces.
Summary
- Open your Google Docs document.
- Click on "Tools" in the top menu.
- Select "Word Count" from the dropdown.
- View the word count window.
- Close the word count window.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, keeping track of your word count is like checking the time; it’s essential. Whether you’re penning down a school assignment, crafting an article, or working on a novel, knowing how to see word count in Google Docs can keep you on the right path. This tool not only helps you meet assignments’ requirements but also assists in setting and achieving personal writing goals.
Moreover, with features like live word count tracking, Google Docs makes it easy to monitor your progress as you type. It’s like having a personal coach whispering in your ear, telling you how far you’ve come and how far you still need to go.
For those who often find themselves battling with deadlines, keeping an eye on your word count can be the difference between submission success and last-minute chaos. So the next time you pen your thoughts in Google Docs, remember these steps and tips. They’ll ensure you’re not just writing words, but tracking them smartly.
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.