How to Do Word Count on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever written something on Google Docs and then realized you need to know the word count? Well, guess what, it’s super easy to do! Google Docs has a built-in word count tool that tells you not only the total number of words but also the number of pages, characters, and characters excluding spaces. Let me walk you through the quick steps to find the word count in your Google Docs.

How to do Word Count on Google Docs Tutorial

Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we are trying to accomplish. We want to find out the total number of words in our Google Docs document. This can be helpful for writing essays with a word limit, preparing reports, or even just satisfying your curiosity about how much you’ve written.

Step 1: Open your Document

First things first, open up the Google Docs document you want to check the word count for.

When you have your document open, you are ready to move on to the next step. You can’t check the word count if you haven’t opened your document yet, so make sure you’ve got it up on your screen.

Step 2: Click on ‘Tools’

Look for the ‘Tools’ option in the toolbar at the top of your document. Give it a click!

In the ‘Tools’ dropdown menu, you will find different options to help you with your document. One of these options is ‘Word count’, which is what we’re looking for.

Step 3: Select ‘Word count’

After clicking on ‘Tools’, a dropdown menu will appear. Find ‘Word count’ in the list and click on it.

A small box will pop up on your screen showing the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces in your document. It’s like magic, but no, it’s just Google Docs being helpful.

Step 4: Check the Numbers

Now you can see the word count for your entire document. If you want to check the word count for a specific section, simply highlight the text, then repeat steps 2 and 3.

After you’ve checked the word count, you can close the word count box by clicking the ‘OK’ button or the ‘X’ in the corner of the box.

After following these steps, you’ll have successfully found out the word count of your Google Docs document. Now you can keep track of your word count as you write, making sure you stay within any limits or goals you have set for yourself.

Tips for Word Count on Google Docs

• If you want to keep the word count box open as you write, simply check the box that says ‘Display word count while typing’ in the word count pop-up.
• Double-checking your word count before submitting an assignment can save you from exceeding word limits.
• The word count tool does not count words in headers, footers, or footnotes.
• If the word count box is in your way while typing, you can move it around by dragging it to a different position.
• Remember, the word count tool is your friend, especially when you’re working on a piece with strict word count requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Docs count words in real-time?

Yes, Google Docs can count words in real-time. Just check the ‘Display word count while typing’ box in the word count pop-up, and you’ll see your word count update as you type.

Can I see the word count for a specific section of my document?

Absolutely! Just highlight the text section you want to count, and then follow the steps to open the word count tool. The pop-up will show the word count for your highlighted section.

Does the word count tool include text in tables?

Yes, the word count tool in Google Docs includes text in tables. Every word, no matter where it is in your document, gets counted.

Can I use the word count tool on the Google Docs mobile app?

Yes, you can use the word count tool on the Google Docs mobile app. The steps are pretty similar to the desktop version. Just tap on the three dots menu, and you will find the word count option there.

Is there a shortcut to open the word count tool?

Sure thing! You can use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl+Shift+C’ (or ‘Command+Shift+C’ on a Mac) to open the word count tool instantly without going through the menu.

Summary

1. Open your document.
2. Click on ‘Tools’.
3. Select ‘Word count’.
4. Check the numbers.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! You now know how to do a word count on Google Docs like a pro. Whether you’re a student keeping an eye on your essay length, a writer tracking your novel’s progress, or just curious about your document’s wordiness, this tool is an invaluable part of the Google Docs experience.

Remember, keeping tabs on your word count isn’t just about meeting requirements; it’s a way to manage your content’s flow and ensure you’re conveying your message effectively. So, the next time you’re knee-deep in writing on Google Docs, don’t forget to check your count. Happy writing!