How to Check Word Count on Google Docs
Checking the word count in Google Docs is a breeze. Just open your document, navigate to the "Tools" menu, and select "Word count." A box will pop up, showing you the number of pages, words, characters with spaces, and characters without spaces. Bam! You have the information you need right at your fingertips.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Check Word Count on Google Docs
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to easily find the word count in your Google Docs. This is super handy whether you’re writing a school essay, a work report, or your next novel.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
Open the document you want to check.
Make sure your document is in view and you can see the text you want to count. If you don’t have it already open, go to your Google Drive and open the file from there.
Step 2: Navigate to the Tools Menu
Locate the "Tools" option in the top menu bar.
The "Tools" menu is your gateway to a variety of functions in Google Docs, and it’s located in the menu bar at the top of the page. Click on it to see your options.
Step 3: Select Word Count
Click on "Word count" from the dropdown menu.
Once you click "Tools," a dropdown menu will appear. Look for and click on "Word count." This will open a dialog box that displays your document’s statistics.
Step 4: View the Word Count Box
A box will pop up showing the word count details.
The word count box will give you a quick overview of pages, words, characters, and more. You can even check a box to display word count while typing if you need to keep a constant eye on your progress.
Step 5: Close the Word Count Dialog Box
Close the box when you’re done.
After you’ve got the info you need, simply close the box by clicking the "X" at the top right corner, or click "OK" to return to your document.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear understanding of the word count in your document. This will help guide your editing process, especially if you’re working with word limits.
Tips for Checking Word Count on Google Docs
- Use the word count shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + C to open the word count box faster.
- Check a specific section: Highlight the text you want to count before opening the tool.
- Keep track while typing: Enable "Display word count while typing" in the word count box.
- Recheck after edits: Always recheck the word count after making changes.
- Practice makes perfect: Familiarize yourself with these steps to save time on future documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the word count on a mobile device?
On mobile, open the doc, tap the three dots in the upper-right corner, and select "Word count."
Does Google Docs include footnotes in the word count?
No, footnotes are not included in the word count.
Can I see the word count at all times?
Yes, you can enable "Display word count while typing" for a constant update.
Does the word count include images?
No, images are not counted in the word count—only text matters.
What if the word count isn’t showing up?
Try refreshing the page or reopening the document to solve this issue.
Summary
- Open the document.
- Navigate to "Tools."
- Select "Word count."
- View the word count.
- Close the word count box.
Conclusion
Understanding how to check word count on Google Docs is a valuable skill for anyone working with text. Whether you’re a student trying to hit that essay word count, a professional crafting a report, or a writer penning your latest masterpiece, knowing how many words you’ve written can help you stay on track.
Google Docs makes this incredibly easy with just a few clicks. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to quickly and efficiently check your word count anytime you need. And with the tips and FAQs we’ve covered, you can troubleshoot any issues and even speed up the process with shortcuts.
So, next time you’re in Google Docs, give it a try. Checking your word count can help you be more efficient and effective in your writing tasks. Remember, whether you’re writing a haiku or an epic tale, every word counts!
Matthew Young has been writing tutorials about Microsoft Word and other Office applications for many years. His writing can be found on dozens of websites.