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How to Check Word Count on Google Docs

Learn How You Can See Word Count on Google Docs Without Wasting Time

Are you working on a document in Google Docs and need to keep track of your total words? Whether you're a student with a strict essay requirement, a professional writer, or simply curious about the length of your document, knowing how to check word count in Google Docs is a valuable skill. 

Essential Takeaways

  • Importance: Ensure content meets requirements and maintains clarity.
  • Methods: Use built-in counter, keyboard shortcuts, or mobile app.
  • Considerations: Hidden text and footnotes can affect word tally.
  • Outcome: Facilitates crafting of concise, effective documents.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore multiple methods to check the total words on google documents effortlessly.

In This Article

 

Why Knowing Your Word Count Matters

Before we dive into the methods, let's take a moment to understand why keeping an eye on your word tally is essential.

Meeting Word Requirements

Whether you're working on a school assignment, a blog post, or a professional report, adhering to word tally requirements is often mandatory. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties or hinder your ability to effectively convey your message.

Ensuring Clarity and Conciseness

Being aware of your total words helps you maintain clarity and conciseness in your writing. It encourages you to express your thoughts succinctly, making your content more engaging and understandable to your audience.

Different Ways To Find The Word Count On Google Docs

Now, let's explore various methods to find the word count in Google Docs. We've got you covered whether you prefer a simple click, a keyboard shortcut, or a more detailed analysis of your document's statistics.

1. Using the Built-in Counter of Words

  • An online document offers this built-in feature that's easy to access and provides a quick overview of your document's words.

  • Access the 'Tools' Menu: In the top menu, click on 'Tools.'

  • Select it': From the dropdown menu, choose it again.

  • Word tally Dialog Box: A dialogue box will appear, displaying the number of words, characters, and even the number of pages in your document.

2. The built-in word counter in Google Docs

It also provides information about the number of characters in your document (with and without spaces), as well as an estimate of the number of pages based on your document's formatting.

3. Utilizing Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer to keep your hands on the keyboard, an online document offers a convenient keyboard shortcut to check the count of words in a specific section of your document.

  • Highlight Your Text: Select the portion of your document for which you want to count the words.
  • Use the Keyboard Shortcut: Depending on your operating system, press either Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + C (Mac).
  • Total Word Displayed: The word score for the selected text will be displayed in the bottom left corner of your document.
  • Using the 'Tools' Menu
    For a more detailed analysis of your document's statistics, including word it, readability, and more, you can rely on the 'Tools' menu.
  • Access the 'Tools' Menu: In the top menu, click on 'Tools.'
  • Select this feature': From the dropdown menu, choose it again.
  • Dialog Box: Similar to the previous method, a dialogue box will appear, displaying your document's total words and related statistics.

4. How To Find Word count in google docs in Mobile devices. 

What if you're on the go and using google documents on your mobile device? You can still easily find the total words

  • Open the App: Launch the Google Docs app on your iOS or Android device.
  • Select Your Document: Tap on the document you want to check.
  • Access the 'More' Menu: In the top right corner, tap the three vertical dots ('More').
  • Word Count: Tap on it. and the number of words in your document will be displayed.

  • Please Note:

The mobile interface may differ slightly from the desktop version, but the counting words feature remains easily accessible.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

While finding the total words in Google documents is generally straightforward, you might encounter some common issues. Let's address these concerns.

  • Word Count Discrepancies

Occasionally, you may notice that your word tally differs from what you expected. Here are some reasons for such discrepancies and how to resolve them:

  • Hidden Text: If you have hidden text in your document (common for comments or suggestions), google Documents may include it in the count of words. To exclude hidden text, go to 'View' > 'Show document outline' and uncheck 'Hidden.'
  • Footnotes and Endnotes: By default, footnotes and endnotes are included in it.. If you want to exclude them, go to 'Insert' > 'Footnote' or 'Endnote,' click on the note, and select 'Format' > 'Footnote properties.' Then, uncheck the box that says 'Count in word count.'

2. Word Count for Specific Sections

There may be instances when you want to know the word count for specific sections or paragraphs within your document. Google Document allows you to achieve this easily:

  • Highlight the Section: Select the text you want to count.
  • Use the Word Counter: Either press the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows/Linux or Command + Shift + C on Mac) or navigate to 'Tools' > 'Word count.' The count will specifically reflect the highlighted text.

Tips for Efficient Word Counting Management

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge of checking word counts in Google Document, let's explore some additional tips to manage your word count effectively.

Editing for Conciseness

Knowing your word count enables you to edit your document for conciseness, which can improve readability and engagement.

 Consider these editing tips:

  • Eliminate Redundancy: Review your content for redundant phrases and sentences and remove them.
  • Use Active Voice: Opt for active voice, as it often results in shorter, more direct sentences.
  • Trim Excess Words: Identify and trim excess words without compromising clarity or content.

Tracking Changes and Collaborating

Google Document is a powerful tool for collaborative writing. Here's how to manage count of words while working with multiple authors:

  • Version History: Utilize the 'Version history' feature to track changes made by different collaborators and revert to previous versions if necessary.
  • Commenting: Use the commenting feature to provide feedback without directly affecting the total number of words. .

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored various methods to check the word total words on Google Document.Whether you prefer using the built-in counter, keyboard shortcuts, or the 'Tools' menu, you now have the knowledge and tools to effortlessly keep track of your words

So, the next time you're working on a document in Google document, don't let the word sum be a mystery. Use these techniques to ensure you're meeting total word requirements, maintaining clarity, and crafting more concise and effective documents.

Now that you're well-versed in checking word tally in Google documents, put your knowledge to good use! 

Whether you're writing an academic paper, a blog post, or a professional report, confidently manage your word score and improve the impact of your content. Start your journey to becoming a more efficient and effective writer today.

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Related Post: How Do You Count Words Using A Keyboard?

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