Word counter
Paste or type your text to count words and characters instantly. Handy for essays, job applications, personal statements and social media posts with a character limit.
Words
0
Your text stays on this device and is never sent anywhere.
Common word and character limits
| What you are writing | Limit |
|---|---|
| UCAS personal statement | 4,000 characters (including spaces) |
| X (Twitter) post, free account | 280 characters |
| Google search result description | About 155 characters before it is cut off |
| Typical job application answer | 250 to 500 words |
How reading time is worked out
Reading time assumes an average adult reading speed of about 238 words a minute. Speaking time assumes about 150 words a minute, a comfortable pace for a speech or presentation.
Frequently asked questions
Do numbers and hyphenated words count as words?
Yes. Numbers count as words, and hyphenated words such as "well-known" count as one word, the same way most word processors count them.
Is my text saved?
Only on your own device, so it is still there if you refresh the page. Press Clear to remove it.
Last checked and updated: October 2026