Paste or type your text below to count words and characters online. This free word count tool also tracks sentences, paragraphs, reading time and word frequency, instantly.
How to use this word counter
- Type your text directly or paste it into the word count box above.
- Watch your live word count, character count and other stats update as you type, no button needed.
- Use Copy Text to copy everything, or Clear Text to start over.
Why use the SwearByte word counter
Whether you are writing a blog post, a school essay, a social media caption or a job application, word limits matter. This free word counter also works as a character counter, so you can check both words and characters in one place. Bloggers use it to track article length, students use it as an essay word counter to meet assignment limits, and writers use the word frequency report to spot repeated words and sharpen their drafts. It even estimates reading time, which helps when you prepare speeches or presentations. Everything runs in your browser, so your text never leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this word counter free to use?
Yes, it is 100 percent free with no sign-up, no limits and no hidden charges. Use it as many times as you like.
Is my text private and safe?
Yes. All counting happens inside your own browser. Your text is never uploaded, saved or shared anywhere.
How are words counted?
Any group of letters or numbers separated by a space counts as one word. Symbols standing alone, like @#$ on their own, are not counted as words. Line breaks and tabs also work as separators.
How are characters counted?
Only letters and numbers count as characters. Symbols and punctuation marks like : ; @ # and $ are ignored in both character counts.
Can I use it as a character counter?
Yes. Along with words, this tool counts characters with spaces and characters without spaces, so it works perfectly as an online character counter for bios, captions and posts with strict character limits.
Who is this word count tool for?
Bloggers, students, writers and freelancers, basically anyone working with word limits. It is handy as an essay word counter for assignments and as a reading time calculator when you prepare speeches or videos.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time assumes an average speed of 200 words per minute. Speaking time assumes about 150 words per minute, the pace of normal speech.