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On a computer, open Tools → Word count. The dialog shows both Characters and Characters without spaces; Google Docs puts these figures inside Word count rather than in a separate character-count tool. Google’s instructions cover computer, Android, and iPhone/iPad.
See the character count on a computer
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Select Tools → Word count.
- Read the Characters and Characters without spaces figures in the dialog.
You can also open Word count with Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows, Chromebook, or Linux, or ⌘ + Shift + C on Mac. If you do not remember the shortcut, use the menu path. Google lists these combinations in its keyboard shortcuts help.
Count only selected text
- Highlight the exact passage you want to count.
- Choose Tools → Word count, or use the shortcut.
- Read the character total for the selection.
Google says selecting a section changes the count to that section. This is useful for a title, abstract, paragraph, caption, or application response in a longer document. Before opening the count, check that the selection contains only what you intend to submit: an extra space, line break, heading, or copied text can change the result. Google Workspace’s announcement describes counting selected text.
Keep the count visible while typing
- Choose Tools → Word count.
- Check Display word count while typing, then click OK.
- Look for the compact Word count box in the lower-left corner of the document.
- Click that box to reveal pages, words, characters, and characters without spaces.
To remove the display, click the lower-left box and choose Hide word count. The live display starts as a compact word-count indicator; click it when you need the character figures. Google documents this option in its Word count help. Its 2019 announcement notes that the live display can be useful for shorter documents, while opening the dialog when needed may suit very long documents.
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See character count in the mobile app
In the Google Docs app on Android or iPhone/iPad, open the document, tap More (usually the three-dot icon) in the upper-right, then tap Word count. Read the character figures in the panel. Google’s help separates instructions by computer, Android, and iPhone/iPad, but app layouts can vary with device and app version. The continuously displayed lower-left counter is documented for the computer version; do not assume the mobile app has the same persistent display.
Characters with spaces or without spaces?
- Characters: the total including spaces.
- Characters without spaces: the total with spaces excluded.
If an assignment or form simply says “characters,” use the with-spaces figure unless its instructions define the limit differently. That is a practical submission rule, not a universal definition: the receiving service may count whitespace, symbols, or other text differently. Neither field means “letters only”; numbers, punctuation, and symbols can contribute. For a strict limit, follow the destination’s definition and check its own counter when possible.
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Why the total may differ from another counter
Headers, footers, and footnotes
Google says the ordinary document count excludes headers, footers, and footnotes unless you select a section. If a submission limit includes those areas, do not assume the Docs total includes them. Count that text separately or use a counter that matches the submission rules. Google’s Word count help documents these exclusions.
Selection and whitespace
A count that seems too low may reflect text that was not selected or text outside the main body. A trailing space, line break, or hidden whitespace may also be treated differently by another service. Confirm the selected passage and remove accidental spaces before submitting.
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Symbols and embedded text
Unicode characters—including emoji and accented characters—can be interpreted differently by different systems. Google’s help does not specify every object type included in the count, so if text is inside a table, drawing, comment, or other embedded object, test a small sample or compare it with the destination platform rather than assuming all visible text is included.
Quick Recap
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Fix common character-count problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| There is no “Character count” menu item. | Open Tools → Word count; the character totals are inside that dialog. |
| The live counter is missing. | Open Word count and enable Display word count while typing. |
| The result is lower than expected. | Check the selection and remember that the ordinary count excludes headers, footers, and footnotes. |
| The mobile menu looks different. | Open More and look for Word count; placement may vary by app version and device. |
| A form rejects text that appears to fit. | Check the form’s definition of characters, then compare the exact text in the destination’s own counter. |
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