# Free word counter: count every word as you type

A word counter counts the words in your text so you can check a draft against a length requirement. Type or paste to see words, characters with and without spaces, sentences, paragraphs, reading time, speaking time and keyword density update live. Typed or pasted text stays in your browser, where the counts run.

## How it works

The tool says “Counts update as you type.” Use the three panel groups to move from checking length to reviewing delivery and style.

1. **Paste or type your text**
   A sentence, a full draft or a pasted table. The panel updates as you type.
2. **Read the word count first**
   Start with “Length” to compare the word count with your requirement. Check the character totals when the requirement uses characters instead.
3. **Check the reading time**
   Look under “Time” for the estimate in minutes. Use it when planning how much attention a draft asks from a reader.
4. **Scroll to the keyword density list**
   Choose a frequent word, find its uses in the draft and decide which occurrences earn their place.
5. **See how long it takes to say**
   Speaking time sits next to reading time, at the slower pace of a talk or a presentation.
6. **Look at sentence length and vocabulary**
   Under “Sentences and vocabulary,” review “words per sentence,” “longest sentence” and “different words” to find passages worth editing.

## Free use

| Tool | Without an account | Free account |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Word counter | No cap | No cap |

## Questions

### How many words fit on a page?

Words per page depend on font size, spacing, margins and paragraph layout. Use the actual word count when a requirement specifies words, and review the formatted document when it specifies pages.

### Does a word counter count numbers and hyphenated words?

Yes. This counter treats each whitespace-separated token as a word, so a standalone number counts and a hyphenated compound counts as one token. For example, well-written is one word under this rule, while well written is two. Punctuation attached to a token leaves it together.

### How long does it take to read 1,000 words?

The time to read 1,000 words equals 1,000 divided by the reader's words per minute. For a personal estimate, time yourself reading a passage and calculate your pace before applying that formula. The counter's own reading time uses a steady silent-reading pace, so treat it as a starting point.

### How do I check word count in a document?

Open the word-count command in your document editor. In Google Docs, choose Tools, then Word count. In Microsoft Word, open Review, then Word Count. Select a passage first when you need a section total.

### Do spaces count toward the total?

Spaces count as characters in a character total that includes spaces, but they are separators rather than words. Use “characters, no spaces” when the requirement excludes them. Extra spaces between words leave the word count unchanged because the counter counts the tokens between whitespace, rather than each gap.

### Is the word counter free?

Yes. Blurwrite's word counter is free, with no word cap and no account required. Use it for a short response or a complete draft. You can check a passage separately, make your edits and return to the full text to review the finished version before submitting it.

### How does the counter separate sentences and paragraphs?

The counter uses sentence boundaries and blank lines to separate the text. It checks what follows a period before marking a sentence ending. A blank line separates paragraphs, and several consecutive blank lines form one break. When preparing pasted text, put a blank line between distinct paragraph blocks.

- [This page on the site](https://blurwrite.com/word-counter)
- [Prices](https://blurwrite.com/pricing.md)
- [How accuracy is measured](https://blurwrite.com/accuracy)