How to Include Word Count in MLA Format

The MLA Handbook doesn’t require a word count, so include one only if your instructor or the assignment asks for it, and put it where they say. If there’s no instruction, the most common choice is a line in the heading block, right after the date, such as Word count: 1,248. Count only the body of the essay, not your heading, title or Works Cited, unless told otherwise. Here’s how to get an accurate count in Word and Google Docs and add it neatly.

Step 1: Get an accurate word count

In Microsoft Word

1. Select the body of your essay, from the first word after the title to the end of the last paragraph. Leave out the heading, title and Works Cited.
2. Look at the status bar at the bottom-left. It shows something like 1,248 of 1,560 words. The first number is your count.
3. For more detail, go to Review > Word Count. Untick Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes if your instructor wants the main text only.

If the status bar doesn’t show words, right-click it and tick Word Count. More in how to display word count in Word.

In Google Docs

Select the body text and press Ctrl + Shift + C (Command + Shift + C on a Mac), or go to Tools > Word count. It shows the count for the selection and the whole document. Tick Display word count while typing to keep it on screen.

Step 2: Add it to the paper

Use whatever your instructor specifies. If they just say “include a word count”, these are the usual options:

Placement	How it looks	Notes
Heading block (most common)	A fifth line after the date: Word count: 1,248	Keeps all your details together on page 1
End of the essay	Word count: 1,248 on its own line after the last paragraph	Before the Works Cited page
Top right of page 1	Next to the page header	Only if asked; MLA headers normally show just your last name and page number

Keep the same font, size and double spacing as the rest of the paper. No bold or italics are needed. If you’re also setting up the rest of the format, see how to set up MLA format in Word.

Example MLA heading with a word count

Jordan Lee
Professor Alvarez
English 101
14 October 2026
Word count: 1,248

Optional: a word count that updates itself

If you keep editing, Word can insert a live count:

1. Type Word count: where you want it.
2. Go to Insert > Quick Parts > Field.
3. Choose NumWords and click OK.
4. Before submitting, right-click the number and choose Update Field, or press F9 with it selected.

NumWords counts the whole document, including the heading and Works Cited, so it will be higher than your body count. Use it only if your instructor counts everything, and type the number manually otherwise.

What counts as a word?

• Words separated by spaces count once each, so “well-known” is one word and “e.g.” is one word.
• Numbers count as words.
• In-text citations such as (Smith 42) are usually included in the body count.
• Block quotes count unless your instructor says to leave them out.

Instructors usually allow about 10% either side of a target. If you’re over, see how to reduce word count.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Counting the whole document. The total at the bottom of Word includes your heading, title and Works Cited, which can add 50 to 200 words.
• Forgetting to update the number after your final edits. Check the count again just before you submit.
• Rounding without saying so. Give the exact number unless the instructor says “approximately”.
• Adding it in a different font or size. The line should look like the rest of the heading.
• Putting it in the running header. MLA headers carry only your last name and the page number, so keep the count out of them unless asked.

Frequently asked questions

Does MLA 9th edition require a word count?

No. The MLA Handbook sets rules for headings, spacing and citations, but it doesn’t call for a word count. It’s an instructor or publisher requirement.

Should the word count include the Works Cited?

Normally no. Most instructors mean the essay itself. Ask if you’re not sure.

What about APA?

APA papers also don’t require a word count unless the instructor or journal asks for one. See how to set up APA format in Word.

Summary

• Include a word count only if asked; MLA doesn’t require one.
• Select the body text and read the count in Word’s status bar.
• Add Word count: followed by the number after the date in your heading, unless told otherwise.
• Match the paper’s font and double spacing.