docs / articles / Words Count in Google Docs: A Comprehensive Guide

Words Count in Google Docs: A Comprehensive Guide

Eric Jul 09, 2026 2026-07-09 04:40:47

Ever found yourself wondering, "How many words are in this Google Doc?" You're not alone. Google Docs, while user-friendly, doesn't have a built-in word count feature like Microsoft Word. But don't worry, there are simple ways to find out. Let's dive into the details.

How to Check Word Count in Google Docs
How to Check Word Count in Google Docs

Before we start, ensure you're working with a Google Doc. If you're not, you can create one by clicking on the '+' icon in the top right corner of your Google Drive and selecting 'Google Docs'.

How to See Your Word Count in Google Docs As You’re Writing
How to See Your Word Count in Google Docs As You’re Writing

Checking Word Count in Google Docs

Google Docs provides a couple of methods to check the word count. Let's explore each.

How to Check the Word Count in Google Docs
How to Check the Word Count in Google Docs

Before proceeding, make sure your document is open. If not, click on the document's title in your Google Drive to open it.

Using the 'Tools' Menu

How to Check the Word Count on Google Docs
How to Check the Word Count on Google Docs

Google Docs has a dedicated word count tool under the 'Tools' menu. Here's how to use it:

1. Click on 'Tools' in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

2. Hover over 'Word count'. You'll see the word count appear in a small pop-up.

How to Check the Word Count in Google Docs (2025 Update) - Tech2Geek
How to Check the Word Count in Google Docs (2025 Update) - Tech2Geek

Using the 'Review' Tab

Another way to check the word count is through the 'Review' tab. Here's how:

1. Click on the 'Review' tab in the menu bar.

How to Always Display the Word Count in Google Docs
How to Always Display the Word Count in Google Docs

2. Look at the bottom left corner of your screen. You'll see the word count displayed there.

Counting Characters and Other Elements

Google Docs Hacks for Writers: 10 Simple (but Life-Changing) Tricks
Google Docs Hacks for Writers: 10 Simple (but Life-Changing) Tricks
How to Check the Word Count on Google Docs
How to Check the Word Count on Google Docs
a screenshot of the workcout page on google's webpages
a screenshot of the workcout page on google's webpages
How to Count Words in Google Sheets
How to Count Words in Google Sheets
the number of words is displayed on the computer screen
the number of words is displayed on the computer screen
the word count screen on an iphone
the word count screen on an iphone
a computer screen with the text how i format my docs for manuscript writing google docs
a computer screen with the text how i format my docs for manuscript writing google docs
How To See Word Count On Google Slide - TFOT
How To See Word Count On Google Slide - TFOT
How to Insert Word Art in Google Docs | Word Art | Google Docs
How to Insert Word Art in Google Docs | Word Art | Google Docs
Google Docs Just Made Tracking Word Count (and Anxiety) Way Easier: Here's How
Google Docs Just Made Tracking Word Count (and Anxiety) Way Easier: Here's How
word count ₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ゚.
word count ₊˚ʚ ᗢ₊˚✧ ゚.
How To Check Word Count In Google Docs - SlashGear
How To Check Word Count In Google Docs - SlashGear
Google docs hacks
Google docs hacks
HIT 25,000 WORDS!!!! 😭😭😭
HIT 25,000 WORDS!!!! 😭😭😭
How Many Lines Are on a Google Doc
How Many Lines Are on a Google Doc
Can Canva Do Word Count? (Here’s the Quick Answer)
Can Canva Do Word Count? (Here’s the Quick Answer)
How to Check the Word Count in Google Sheets - Make Tech Easier
How to Check the Word Count in Google Sheets - Make Tech Easier
36 PAGES AHHHHHH
36 PAGES AHHHHHH
Using Google Docs Word Count on PC and Phone: Everything You Need To Know
Using Google Docs Word Count on PC and Phone: Everything You Need To Know
Google Docs Just Made Tracking Word Count (and Anxiety) Way Easier: Here's How
Google Docs Just Made Tracking Word Count (and Anxiety) Way Easier: Here's How

Sometimes, you might need to count characters, pages, or lines instead of words. Google Docs can do that too!

Follow the same steps as mentioned above, but instead of 'Word count', hover over 'Characters (with spaces)', 'Characters (without spaces)', 'Lines', or 'Pages'.

Counting Words in Selected Text

Need to count words in a specific selection? Here's how:

1. Select the text you want to count.

2. Click on 'Tools' in the menu bar.

3. Hover over 'Word count'. The word count of the selected text will appear in a pop-up.

And there you have it! You're now a pro at counting words, characters, and more in Google Docs. Happy writing!