How to Check Word Count in Pages: A Step-by-Step Guide

Checking the word count in Pages, Apple’s word processing software, is a simple task that can be useful for all sorts of writing purposes, whether you’re a student writing an essay, a professional drafting a report, or a writer keeping track of your word count. In less than a minute, you can find out exactly how many words you’ve written, and I’m about to show you how.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count in Pages

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s briefly talk about what we’re going to accomplish. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to view the word count of your document in Pages, which can help you track your progress or ensure you meet any necessary word count requirements.

Step 1: Open Your Document in Pages

First things first, open the document in Pages for which you want to check the word count.

When you open your document, you’ll see the typical word processing layout. If you’re familiar with Pages, you probably spend a lot of time here typing away.

Step 2: Click on the "View" menu

Once your document is open, click on the "View" menu in the top toolbar.

The "View" menu is where you can customize how you see your document. It has options for showing the layout, hiding or showing rulers, and, of course, showing the word count.

Step 3: Select "Show Word Count"

In the drop-down menu that appears, select "Show Word Count."

When you select "Show Word Count," a small box will appear at the bottom of your Pages window. This box will continuously update as you type, keeping track of the total word count for your document.

After you complete these steps, the word count for your document will be displayed at the bottom of the Pages window. This box is unobtrusive, so it won’t get in the way of your writing, but it will be there whenever you need a quick glance at your word count.

Tips: How to Check Word Count in Pages

• If you’re looking for a word count for a specific section of text, simply highlight the text, and the word count box will adjust to show the count for just the highlighted section.
• Double-clicking on the word count box will bring up a more detailed statistic window, showing you not only the word count but also the character count, paragraph count, and more.
• If the word count box is in your way, you can easily drag it to any other part of the status bar at the bottom of the window.
• Remember that the word count feature counts everything, including text in footnotes and endnotes. If you need a count without these, you’ll have to exclude them manually.
• If you’re working on a document that requires you to not exceed a certain word count, keep an eye on the word count box as you write to ensure you stay within your limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the word count in Pages?

The word count in Pages is very accurate. It counts every word in your document, including those in footnotes and endnotes.

Can I see more than just the word count?

Yes, by double-clicking on the word count box, you can access additional statistics such as character count, paragraph count, and more.

Is there a way to keep the word count visible at all times?

The word count box will remain visible as long as you have "Show Word Count" enabled in the "View" menu. It will update in real time as you type.

Can I exclude certain parts of the document from the word count?

Pages will count every word in your document by default. If you need to exclude certain sections, you’ll have to do so manually by not highlighting those sections when checking the word count.

Does Pages count symbols and numbers as words?

The Pages word count feature counts numbers as words, but individual symbols (like punctuation) are not counted as words.

Summary

1. Open your document in Pages.
2. Click on the "View" menu.
3. Select "Show Word Count."

Conclusion

Checking the word count in Pages is a breeze. Whether you’re dotting the i’s on your thesis, prepping that report for your boss, or just curious about how much you’ve written, Pages makes it easy to keep track. With just a few clicks, you can have a persistent word count at the bottom of your window. And if you need more details, those are just a double-click away. Plus, with the ability to check the word count of selected text, you’re in full control. Just remember, Pages counts it all, so if you’re looking to exclude anything, you’ll need to get a little crafty. But hey, that’s what editing is for, right?

Now, go ahead, give it a try. It’s always good to know how many words you’ve poured onto the page. Keep writing, keep counting, and who knows, maybe you’ll hit that magical word count you’ve been aiming for. Happy writing!