If you’ve ever found yourself needing to keep track of word count while typing away in Google Docs, you’re in the right place. Turning on the word count feature in Google Docs is a breeze. Simply go to the "Tools" menu and select "Word count." A pop-up window will appear, revealing just how many words you’ve penned. You can even display this count in the lower-left corner of your document as you write. Ready to dive into the details? Let’s break it down step by step.
How to Turn Word Count on Google Docs
Turning on the word count in Google Docs is as easy as pie. It helps you keep track of your writing progress without any fuss. Follow these steps to ensure you have your word count visible all the time.
Step 1: Open Your Document
Open the Google Docs file where you want to track the word count.
Make sure that your document is loaded and ready. If you’re starting fresh, just open a new Google Doc.
Step 2: Go to the Tools Menu
Click on the "Tools" option in the top menu bar.
The "Tools" menu is your gateway to all sorts of useful features in Google Docs.
Step 3: Select Word Count
Click on "Word count" from the drop-down menu.
This will bring up a pop-up window showing your current word count, along with other details like pages and characters.
Step 4: Check the Display Box
In the pop-up window, check the box that says "Display word count while typing."
This ensures your word count appears in the bottom left corner of your document, updating in real-time as you type.
Step 5: Close the Pop-Up
Click "OK" to close the Word Count pop-up window.
Your word count will now appear continuously as you type, making it easy to keep track.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your word count will be displayed in the lower-left corner of your Google Docs. This makes it super easy to monitor without having to click back to the "Tools" menu every time. It’s like having a little digital counter keeping track of your progress.
Tips for Turning Word Count on Google Docs
- Use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac) to quickly open the word count.
- If the word count disrupts your view, you can always uncheck the "Display word count while typing" box.
- To see more stats, like how many pages or characters are in your document, revisit the word count window.
- Keep note of the word count if you have a word limit for assignments.
- If you’re working on a shared document, each collaborator can set their own word count display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the word count for just a selected section?
Yes, highlight the text you’re interested in, then go to Tools > Word count. It will show stats for the selected text.
Does the word count include footnotes?
Yes, the word count includes any footnotes in your document.
How do I turn off the word count display?
Go to Tools > Word count and uncheck "Display word count while typing."
Is there a mobile app version for word count?
Yes, in the Google Docs mobile app, tap the three dots, then “Word count.”
Can I set a word count goal?
Currently, Google Docs doesn’t support word count goals like some other writing apps.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Go to the Tools menu.
- Select Word Count.
- Check the display box.
- Close the pop-up.
Conclusion
Keeping track of your word count in Google Docs is like having a roadmap for your writing journey. It helps to know if you’re meeting word limits or need to add more substance. Whether you’re working on a school assignment, a blog post, or any writing task, enabling the word count feature ensures you stay on target.
With these steps, you’ve got the equivalent of a trusty speedometer for your writing. You can monitor your progress at a glance, making sure you’re cruising comfortably towards your writing goals. And as you become more familiar with this handy tool, you’ll likely find that it boosts your efficiency, helping you to manage your time and words more effectively.
For more advanced writing tasks, you might explore Google Docs’ other features, like version history or collaboration tools. But for now, you’ve got the word count feature down pat. Happy writing, and may your words flow as smoothly as a well-oiled machine!
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.