Ever found yourself lost in a sea of words, wondering how many you’ve actually written? Whether you’re a student aiming for a word count in an essay or a writer keeping track of your daily word goal, knowing how to see your word count is essential. In just a moment, you’ll be an expert at finding those numbers with ease.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to See Word Count
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Seeing your word count isn’t some mystic art—it’s actually super simple. You’ll learn how to find the word count on two of the most common word processors: Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Step 1: Open your document
First things first, open the document you want to check.
Whether it’s a .docx file on Microsoft Word or a Google Docs file, make sure it’s the one with the content you want to count. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s always good to double-check!
Step 2: Look for the word count option
Next, it’s time to find that magical number.
In Microsoft Word, you’ll typically find the word count at the bottom of the window. It’s a small section that shows the number of pages and words. If you’re on Google Docs, click on "Tools" in the menu bar and then select "Word count" from the drop-down list.
Step 3: Select the word count to see more details (optional)
If you need more than just the word count, select it for further details.
In Microsoft Word, clicking on the word count at the bottom lets you see characters, paragraphs, and lines. Google Docs will show a pop-up with similar information once you select "Word count" from the "Tools" menu.
After you complete these steps, you’ll have the word count right before your eyes. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure you’re meeting the requirements for your work or keeping track of your progress.
Tips for Managing Word Count
When keeping an eye on your word count, a few extra tricks can make your life easier. Here they are:
- Use keyboard shortcuts. In Microsoft Word, pressing Ctrl+Shift+G will bring up the word count box. In Google Docs, it’s Ctrl+Shift+C.
- Keep an eye on your word count as you write. This can help you stay on track and avoid having to cut down a lot of content later.
- Remember that different formats can affect your word count. For example, if you have a lot of headings or bullet points, these can add to your overall count.
- Consider using a third-party word count tool if you’re working with a text editor that doesn’t have a built-in word count feature.
- If you’re required to include footnotes or endnotes in your word count, make sure to check the settings in the word count tool to include these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does copying and pasting text into a document change the word count?
No, the word count will update automatically to include any text you paste into the document.
Can I see the word count of a specific section of the document?
Yes, you can. Simply highlight the section you want to count, and the word count tool will update to show the number of words in the selected text.
Are spaces counted as words?
No, spaces are not counted as words. The word count only includes actual words, which are separated by spaces.
Is there a difference between the online and offline versions of word processors for viewing word count?
The process of finding the word count is generally the same whether you’re using an online or offline version of a word processor.
Can I set a word count goal in my document?
Some word processors, like Microsoft Word, allow you to set a word count goal for your document. This can be useful for tracking your progress.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Look for the word count option.
- Select the word count to see more details (optional).
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple guide on how to see word count in your documents. Whether you’re working on a novel, a research paper, or a report, keeping an eye on your word count is crucial for staying within your limits and meeting your writing goals. With the steps and tips outlined above, you’ll be able to quickly and easily manage your word count. Plus, with the FAQ section to help clear up any confusion, you’re all set to write with confidence. Now, go forth and count those words like the word wizard you are!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.