Compare twelve ways to count
From POSIX wc to Microsoft Word, Google Docs, ICU/UAX #29 and
GMX-V, plus word frequency, LLM token counts, and reading time. Paste any
text below or load the sample to start.
Free word counter for accurate writing and editing
Paste text into the editor above to count words instantly. This tool also shows characters with and without spaces, lines, sentences, paragraphs, average word length, reading time, speaking time, word frequency, and LLM token counts. The textarea stays first because the counter is the product. The guide below explains which settings to use when a word count needs to match a specific platform or publishing workflow.
What this word counter measures
A basic word counter only splits text on spaces. That is useful for a quick draft check, but it is not enough when you are preparing an article, academic assignment, social post, localization file, or prompt. This counter gives you the common totals writers ask for in one place: words, characters, characters without spaces, lines, sentences, paragraphs, reading time, speaking time, and average word length.
It also includes word frequency, so you can spot repeated phrases, overused terms, and keyword stuffing before publishing. For prompt work, the token panel compares common tokenizer families so you can estimate whether a draft fits inside a model context window.
Why different word counters disagree
Word counts differ because tools do not agree on what a word is. Microsoft Word,
Google Docs, LibreOffice, WordPress, POSIX wc, Unicode UAX #29,
ICU, ECMA-402, and GMX-V each make different choices for hyphenated terms,
numbers, URLs, punctuation, CJK text, and markup. A hyphenated phrase may count
as one word in one tool and two in another.
That is why this page lets you switch the counting method instead of pretending there is one universal answer. If a client, editor, school, translation system, or CMS expects a specific count, choose the closest matching method in the right-hand panel before you copy the final total.
Clean text before counting
Markup changes word counts. A blog post copied as HTML contains tags, attributes, entities, comments, and sometimes hidden text. Markdown, LaTeX, BBCode, XML, and wikitext have the same problem in different forms. Use the strippers above when you want to count the readable text rather than the source format. This is especially useful for editors checking drafts exported from a CMS, developers reviewing content in templates, and localization teams comparing source files.
Private by default in the page
The interactive page analyzes pasted text in your browser. The share link stores settings in the URL hash, such as the selected counter and enabled filters, but it does not include the pasted text. That keeps the main workflow fast and avoids putting private drafts into a shareable URL.
Word counter questions
Is this word counter free?
Yes. You can paste text, count words, compare methods, check word frequency and copy a settings link without an account.
Does it count characters too?
Yes. The stats strip shows total characters and characters without spaces, along with lines, sentences, paragraphs and average word length.
How do I match Microsoft Word or Google Docs?
Use the counting method panel on the right and choose Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Those modes are designed for practical comparison when another tool is the source of truth.
Can I count words in HTML or Markdown?
Yes. Enable the HTML or Markdown stripper before counting. You can also strip LaTeX, BBCode, XML, XHTML and wikitext.
Can I use this for drafts with a required word count?
Yes. Pick the counting method that matches the place where the draft will be checked, then use the word count, character count and frequency data to revise before you submit or publish.