Word Counter Google Docs
The best alternative to the native Google Docs word counter. Get advanced metrics without installing addons.
Real-Time Metrics
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Words
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Chars
How to Count Words in Google Docs
Step-by-Step Guide
- Method 1 (Within Docs): Go to Tools > Word Count or press Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac).
- Method 2 (Using this tool): Press Ctrl+A to select all your text in Google Docs.
- Press Ctrl+C to copy.
- Paste (Ctrl+V) into the box above for instant advanced analysis.
Pro Tips
- Google's native counter only shows basic stats. Use our tool to see reading time, speaking time, and paragraph density.
- This tool is strictly private. Your Google Doc content is not uploaded to any server.
- Perfect for checking word counts on devices where the Google Docs menu might be hard to access.
The Ultimate Guide to Word Counts in Google Workspace
Google Docs has revolutionized the way we write, allowing for real-time collaboration and cloud storage. However, while it is an excellent word processor, its built-in analytical tools are somewhat basic. Many writers find themselves needing more data than the simple box Google provides.
That is why we created the Word Counter Google Docs. It serves as a powerful companion to your cloud writing workflow, bridging the gap between simple drafting and professional editorial analysis.
Native Google Docs Word Count vs. Our Tool
You might ask, "Why should I copy my text here when Google Docs has a counter?" It is a valid question. Here is a comparison of features:
| Feature | Google Docs Native | Our Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Word Count | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Character Count | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Live Updates | ⚠️ Laggy on large docs | ⚡ Instant |
| Speaking Time | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Automatic) |
| Reading Level | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Keyword Density | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Top words) |
How to Check Word Count in Google Docs (Step-by-Step)
If you just need a quick check inside the app, here is the official method:
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Click on Tools in the top menu bar.
- Select Word count from the dropdown menu.
- A box will appear showing Pages, Words, Characters, and Characters (excluding spaces).
Why Privacy Matters for Cloud Documents
One of the biggest concerns with "Add-ons" for Google Docs is permission. Many third-party sidebar extensions require "Read/Write" access to all your Google Drive documents just to count words. This is a massive security risk.
Our tool requires Zero Permissions. You do not need to log in with Google, you do not need to install an extension, and you do not need to grant us access to your Drive. You simply copy the specific text you want to analyze and paste it here. It is the safest way to get advanced metrics for sensitive legal, medical, or corporate documents.
FAQs
Can I count only selected text in Google Docs?
Yes! Highlight the section of text you want to count, then press the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+C). The pop-up will show the count for the selection versus the whole document (e.g., "50 of 1,000 words").
Does footnotes count towards the total?
In Google Docs, footnotes are usually excluded from the main word count unless you check a specific setting. If you paste your entire document (including footnotes) into our tool, we will count everything, giving you a truer "total volume" metric.