How to Do a Word Count on Google Docs
Checking the word count on Google Docs is a breeze! Whether you’re penning a school essay or crafting a blog post, knowing your word count is crucial. To quickly find your word count, open your document, click "Tools" in the menu, and select "Word count." A dialog box will pop up, revealing how many words you’ve written. That’s it! Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to ensure you nail it every time.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on Doing a Word Count on Google Docs
Ready to get the exact word count of your Google Docs document? Follow these simple steps to stay on track with your writing goals.
Step 1: Open Google Docs
Open your browser and navigate to the Google Docs website, then log in to your account.
Once you’ve logged in, you can either create a new document or open an existing one. If you’re working on a project, it’s likely saved in your Google Drive, so just click on the document you want to check.
Step 2: Click on "Tools"
At the top of the Google Docs window, you’ll see a menu bar. Click on "Tools" to open a dropdown list of various options.
The "Tools" menu is like your trusty toolbox in Google Docs. It contains all the nifty features that help you refine and polish your document. You’ll be using it a lot, so familiarize yourself with where it’s located.
Step 3: Select "Word Count"
In the dropdown menu under "Tools," click on "Word count."
When you click "Word count," a small window will appear on your screen. This window is your go-to spot for not only word count but also the number of pages, characters, and characters excluding spaces.
Step 4: Check Your Word Count
In the pop-up window, view your word count and related statistics.
This pop-up is super handy! It tells you the total number of words, pages, characters (with and without spaces), giving you a comprehensive overview of your document’s length and density.
Step 5: Close the Word Count Window
Once you’re done, simply close the word count window to return to your document.
Closing the window doesn’t mean you lose the information. You can return to it any time by repeating these steps. It’s a bit like having a word count buddy sitting quietly in the background.
After completing these steps, you’ll see the word count and other related statistics. This helps you keep track of your progress if you have a word limit or goal to meet.
Tips for Doing a Word Count on Google Docs
- You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + C (Cmd + Shift + C on Mac) for quick access to the word count.
- Select only a portion of your text before checking the word count to find out how many words are in that specific section.
- Enable the "Display word count while typing" option in the word count window to see a running total at the bottom of your document.
- You can use the mobile app to check word counts on the go, although the steps might vary slightly.
- Always double-check your word count when submitting assignments to ensure you meet any specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shortcut for checking word count?
The shortcut is Ctrl + Shift + C for Windows and Cmd + Shift + C for Mac users.
Can I get a word count for a specific paragraph?
Yes, highlight the paragraph and then check the word count to see the number of words in that selection.
Does Google Docs count footnotes in the word count?
No, footnotes are not included in the word count.
Can I see the word count in real-time?
Yes, by enabling "Display word count while typing" in the word count window.
Does the Google Docs app support word counting?
Yes, the mobile app supports word counting but the steps may be slightly different.
Summary
- Open Google Docs.
- Click on "Tools."
- Select "Word Count."
- Check your word count.
- Close the word count window.
Conclusion
Understanding how to do a word count on Google Docs can be a game-changer, especially if you’re working under strict word limits. Whether it’s for school assignments, professional submissions, or just a personal project, knowing exactly how many words are in your document can help you stay on track and meet your goals. This simple yet powerful feature is like a compass for writers, guiding you towards your target word count with precision and ease.
If you’re an avid writer, enabling the real-time word count can be particularly beneficial, allowing you to keep an eye on your progress without disrupting your flow. And remember, while the steps in this guide are straightforward, getting them down pat means you’ll be able to focus more on your content rather than worrying about the numbers.
So, next time you’re typing away in Google Docs, give these steps a try. You’ll find that managing your word count can be as easy as pie. For further reading, explore Google Docs’ other tools and features to enhance your productivity and writing efficiency. Happy writing!
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.