On a computer, open your document and choose Tools > Word count. To keep the total visible as you work, check Display word count while typing and click OK. In the Google Docs app on Android, iPhone, or iPad, tap More > Word count.
Show word count on a computer
- Open the document in Google Docs.
- Click Tools > Word count.
- Read the dialog for the document’s word, character, and page counts.
- To keep a count visible while editing, check Display word count while typing, then click OK.
The live counter appears at the lower left of the document. Click its Word count box to view pages, words, characters, or characters without spaces. To remove the counter, open the box and choose Hide word count. Google recommends the dialog for longer documents and the live counter for shorter pieces such as articles or school essays. Google’s computer instructions include the current menu path and counter controls.
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Find word count in the Google Docs mobile app
- Open the document in the Google Docs app on Android, iPhone, or iPad.
- Tap More.
- Tap Word count.
The mobile view reports words, characters, and characters excluding spaces. Google provides platform-specific instructions for Android and iPhone and iPad.
Count only part of a document, or understand what is excluded
By default, Google Docs counts the document but leaves out headers, footers, and footnotes. To count a passage instead, select that text before opening Tools > Word count on a computer; the count then applies to the selection rather than the whole document. Google’s instructions describe the feature as available for Google Docs; it is not available in Sheets, Slides, or a Docs file opened in Microsoft Office Compatibility Mode. See Google’s word-count help for the scope and exclusions.
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Open word count with a keyboard shortcut
On PC or Chrome OS, press Ctrl+Shift+C. On Mac, press Command+Shift+C. Google notes that some shortcuts may not work with every language or keyboard. If the shortcut does not work, use Tools > Word count. The shortcut is listed in Google’s Docs keyboard-shortcut reference.
Quick Recap
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