4 Ways to Check a Word Count in Microsoft Word in 2024 (Updated) - GeeksforGeeks (2025)

Knowing the word count of your document in Microsoft Word is essential for tasks like meeting word limits for assignments, articles, or reports. Imagine preparing a piece of content where staying within a specific word count is critical, and you need an efficient way to track it. Microsoft Word offers multiple ways to check word count, whether you want to view it in real-time, check selected text, or include/exclude specific elements like footnotes. This guide will explore four easy methods to check word count in Microsoft Word, helping you stay precise and organized while working on your documents.

How to Check the Word Count on Word (with 4 methods)

Need to know the exact word count of your document? We are providing four easy methods to efficiently count words in Microsoft Word. Learn how to use the built-in word count feature, the status bar, the Review tab, and the Tell Me feature.

Method 1: Viewing Word Count in the Status Bar

Step 1: Open Your Document

Start by opening the document you want to check in Microsoft Word.

Step 2: Check the Status Bar

Look at the bottom left corner of your Word window. By default, Word displays the word count in the status bar. It typically shows the number of words in the document like this: "Words: 500".

Step 3: Click for More Details

If you click on the word count displayed in the status bar, a detailed box pops up, showing the number of pages, characters (with and without spaces), paragraphs, and lines.

Best For:

• Quick word checks while you work.
• Monitoring progress without navigating away from the main window.

Method 2: Using the Word Count Dialog Box

Step 1: Open the Document

Make sure the Word document you want to check is open.

Step 2: Go to the "Review" Tab

At the top of the window, you’ll see multiple tabs. Click on "Review".

Step 3: Select "Word Count"

In the "Proofing" group, click on "Word Count". This will open a dialog box showing detailed statistics, including the total number of words, characters, paragraphs, and lines.

Best For:

• Detailed word count breakdowns.
• Accessing more comprehensive statistics about your document's content.

Method 3: Checking the Word Count of Selected Text

Sometimes, you may want to count words for only a specific section of your document. Microsoft Word allows you to do this easily.

Step 1: Highlight the Text

Select the portion of the text you want to count by clicking and dragging over it with your cursor.

Step 2: View the Word Count

Once the text is highlighted, the word count in the status bar will automatically update to show “Words: X of Y,” where X is the number of words in the selected text, and Y is the total word count of the document.

Best For:

• Checking word counts for specific sections or paragraphs.
• Ensuring word limits for parts of your document, such as abstracts or summaries.

Method 4: Word Count on Mobile Versions of Microsoft Word

If you’re using Microsoft Word on a mobile device, you can also find the word count with a few taps.

Step 1: Open Your Document

Launch Microsoft Word and open your document.

Step 2: Tap the Arrow Menu

Tap on the Arrow button menu in the right side of the interface.

Step 3: Change to Review Tab

Select the Review tab from the left side.

Step 4: Select "Word Count"

Tap on "Word Count" from the dropdown menu. A box will appear displaying the number of words, characters, paragraphs, and more.

Step 5: Word Count Displayed

The total number of word count has been displayed including the characters.

Best For:

• Mobile users who need quick access to document statistics.
• Working on-the-go and keeping track of word counts.

Tips for Using Word Count in Microsoft Word

• Keep Track of Word Goals: If you’re aiming for a specific word count, consider turning on the live word count feature in the status bar for constant updates.
• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: For faster access, press Ctrl + Shift + G (Windows) or Command + Shift + G (Mac) to open the Word Count dialog box quickly.

Conclusion

Tracking the word count in Microsoft Word is a simple yet powerful feature that ensures your document meets specific requirements, whether for academic, professional, or creative purposes. By utilizing the built-in tools like the status bar, Word Count dialog box, or selecting specific text, you can easily monitor and adjust your content as needed. These methods not only save time but also provide flexibility in how you manage your text. Mastering these techniques ensures precision and keeps you on track with your writing goals, making Microsoft Word an even more efficient tool for all your document needs.

How to Find Your Word Count in Microsoft Word - FAQs

How do I check the word count in a specific section of my document?

Simply highlight the section you want to count, and the word count displayed in the status bar will automatically update to reflect the count for the selected text.

Is there a way to exclude footnotes, endnotes, and textboxes from the word count?

Yes. When you open the "Word Count" dialog box from the "Review" tab, you can choose to exclude footnotes, endnotes, and textboxes by checking the appropriate box.

Can I see character counts in Word?

Yes, the Word Count dialog box provides character counts both with and without spaces.

Does Microsoft Word’s mobile app show detailed word count stats?

The mobile app shows a basic count of words, characters, paragraphs, and lines, but it may not be as detailed as the desktop version.

How do I make the word count always visible?

Make sure the "Word Count" option is enabled in the status bar by right-clicking the status bar and selecting "Word Count" from the menu that appears.