How to use the Word & Character Counter
- Type or paste your text
- Read the live counts and reading time
- Check keyword density and the character-limit bars for social posts and SEO
About this tool
Essays, cover letters, ad copy and meta descriptions often have strict limits. The counter updates on every keystroke. Characters are counted as you would see them, so an emoji or an accented letter counts as one character, not two.
Reading time assumes 238 words per minute, the average silent reading speed for adults in a large 2019 meta-analysis. Speaking time assumes 150 words per minute, a typical presentation pace. Keyword density lists the words you use most, leaving out common filler words, so you can spot repetition or check SEO focus.
Frequently asked questions
How are words counted?
A word is a run of letters or numbers. Contractions and hyphenated words (“don’t”, “well-known”) count as one word. Punctuation, emoji and extra spaces are not counted as words.
How long is a 1,000-word essay to read?
About 4 minutes at the average adult reading speed of 238 words per minute, and about 6½ to 7 minutes to read aloud.
What is a good keyword density?
There is no magic number. Search engines reward natural writing. If one keyword is well above 2–3% of all words, the text probably reads as repetitive.
Is my text stored?
No. Counting happens in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere.
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