How to Check Word Count in Microsoft Word

There are times when word count counts. For example, when you're asked to write a 1,000-word paper for class, develop a 300-word article for a work newsletter, or submit a 100-word bio for an online community. Check the word count on all or part of a document without opening a new window. Microsoft Word displays the word count in the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Or, expand the word count tracker to get detailed information, such as character, line, and paragraph count.

View Word Count in the Status Bar

To see the word count of an entire document at a glance, look at the left side of the status bar at the bottom of the Word screen. It will say something like 502 words.

If you don't see the word count in the status bar:

1. Right-click anywhere on the status bar to display the Customize Status Bar menu.

   

2. View the Word Count to see how many words are in the document.

   

3. To display the word count in the status bar, select ​Word Count.

   

Word Count for Selected Text

To view the number of words in a specific sentence, paragraph, or section, select the text. The word count of the selected text displays on the left side of the Word status bar, along with the word count for the entire document. It will say something like 95 of 502 words.

To find the word count for several sections at the same time, make the first selection, then hold the Ctrl key while you make the other selections.

The Word Count Window

If you need more than a simple word count, display the Word Count pop-up window, which shows the following information:

• Number of pages
• Number of words
• Number of characters (no spaces)
• Number of characters (with spaces)
• Paragraphs
• Lines

To open the Word Count window, select the word count on the status bar. Or, go to the Review menu and, in the Proofing group, select Word Count.

To close the Word Count window, select Close or X.