How to Show Word Count on Google Docs
Ever found yourself wondering how many words you’ve typed up in a Google Doc? It’s actually super straightforward! You just need to know where to look. To see the word count, simply open your Google Doc, click on ‘Tools’ in the top menu, and then select ‘Word count’. Voilà! You can even keep it visible on your screen as you type—perfect for those pesky essay word limits.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Show Word Count on Google Docs
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to make sure you know exactly how to display your word count in Google Docs. This will help you keep track of your writing progress with ease.
Step 1: Open Your Google Doc
First, open the Google Doc for which you want to see the word count.
Whether it’s a school essay or a blog post, make sure the document is fully loaded and ready for editing.
Step 2: Click on ‘Tools’
Navigate to the top menu bar and click on ‘Tools’.
This menu houses various helpful options, and ‘Word count’ happens to be one of them!
Step 3: Select ‘Word count’
In the dropdown menu, click on ‘Word count’.
A small window will pop up displaying the number of pages, words, characters, and characters excluding spaces. It’s like a mini dashboard for your document’s stats!
Step 4: Check ‘Display word count while typing’
In the word count window, you’ll see an option that says ‘Display word count while typing’. Click on it to check this box.
This nifty feature will show your word count at the bottom left corner of your document as you type, helping you keep track without breaking your flow.
Step 5: Close the Word Count Window
Once you’ve enabled the display, close the word count window by clicking ‘OK’.
Now, your word count will stay visible while you work, allowing you to monitor your progress in real-time.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a small word count display at the bottom left of your document screen. This will update live as you type, helping you see exactly where you stand in terms of word count with each keystroke.
Tips for Showing Word Count on Google Docs
Having the word count visible can be a game-changer. Here are some tips to optimize your experience:
- Use the word count feature to stay within word limits for assignments or submissions.
- If you’re co-writing, it helps to track how much each person contributes.
- Use it to set daily writing goals to boost productivity.
- Compare word counts across multiple documents for better organization.
- Disable the live word count display if it’s too distracting, especially for creative writing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the word count include footnotes?
Yes, the word count feature in Google Docs does include footnotes.
This is important if you’re working on academic papers where footnotes might be extensive.
How can I exclude certain parts from the word count?
Currently, Google Docs doesn’t have a feature to exclude specific sections, but you can highlight text and use the word count tool to see just that section’s count.
It’s a handy workaround for focusing on specific parts of your document.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for word count?
Yes, pressing Ctrl + Shift + C will bring up the word count window.
This quick shortcut saves you time by skipping the ‘Tools’ menu.
Can I measure word count for a specific section?
Absolutely, just highlight the text you want to measure and use the word count feature.
This is perfect for checking individual paragraphs or sections quickly.
Will word count show up on printed documents?
No, the word count display won’t appear on printed copies of your document.
It’s only visible in the digital interface, so no worries about it showing up on hard copies.
Summary
- Open your Google Doc.
- Click on ‘Tools’.
- Select ‘Word count’.
- Check ‘Display word count while typing’.
- Close the word count window.
Conclusion
Understanding how to show word count on Google Docs can make a world of difference in your writing process. Whether you’re crafting a short story, writing a report, or working on a blog post, having the word count visible keeps you on track. It’s like having a little word-count buddy cheering you on from the sidelines.
If you’re someone who thrives on goals, this is a game-changer for setting daily writing targets. It also comes in handy for ensuring you don’t exceed word limits for assignments or professional submissions. Plus, if you’re collaborating on a document, it’s a great way to keep track of each contributor’s input.
If you find this feature helpful, you might want to explore additional Google Docs tools that can enhance your productivity. From keyboard shortcuts to add-ons, there’s a whole world of options to streamline your writing tasks. So, next time you’re in Google Docs, remember to check your word count and see where your words take you!
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.