Word Counter: Words, Characters, Sentences & Reading Time

How the word counter works

The word counter measures the text in the box and returns word count, character count, sentence count, paragraph count, unique word count, and estimated reading and speaking time. These numbers reflect whatever text is currently there, whether typed directly or pasted from another document.

How each count is calculated

Words are counted as chunks of text separated by spaces or line breaks, so a hyphenated compound like "well-known" or a value like "15%" counts as one word because it contains no space. Characters count everything in the box, including spaces, punctuation, and line breaks. Sentences come from splitting the text on periods, question marks, and exclamation marks, so an abbreviation with an internal period, such as "a.m." or "Dr.", adds one extra sentence to the total. Paragraphs are counted at every line break, whether it is a single Enter or a full blank line, so both produce the same paragraph count. Unique words fold together identical words regardless of capitalization, so "The" and "the" count once, though attached punctuation makes "the" and "the," count as two different entries. Reading time divides the word count by 200 words per minute; speaking time divides it by 130 words per minute, a common pace for reading text aloud.

Worked example

This 141-word announcement, pasted into the box, produces the counts in the table below:

"Our downtown store reopens Monday with extended hours until nine at night. The renovated space seats forty guests and adds six new tables near the window. Staff rebuilt the counter, replaced the flooring, and installed better lighting near the pastry case. The new layout also adds two outlets at every table for laptops.

Staff will offer free samples starting at ten in the morning. Loyalty members get a fifteen percent discount on any drink over four dollars. The offer runs through the end of the month, and it applies to both hot and cold drinks. New members can sign up at the counter during the reopening event, and current members should bring their card or show the app to the cashier before ordering. Regulars who refer a friend that joins during opening week receive a free pastry on their next visit."