Word & Character Counter
Count words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading time. Updates in real time as you type. Platform limits for Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram and SMS checked automatically. Your text is saved locally.
How to Use
Reading Time Formula
The average adult reads silently at around 200 to 250 words per minute. The 200 wpm figure is a conservative estimate that accounts for complex vocabulary and technical content. Speaking pace averages 125 to 150 wpm for clear, natural speech.
Worked Example
A 500-word blog introduction takes about 2.5 minutes to read and roughly 4 minutes to read aloud at a natural presentation pace. A 1,500-word article takes about 7.5 minutes to read silently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I count words in a document?
Paste your text into the input box above. The word count, character count, sentence count, paragraph count, and more appear instantly. The stats update in real time as you type or edit — no button press needed.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is estimated at 200 words per minute (wpm), which is a conservative average for adult silent reading. Speaking time uses 125 wpm, which approximates a natural conversational or presentation pace. Both estimates are approximations — actual times vary by complexity and familiarity with the subject.
What is the ideal word count for a blog post?
For SEO, long-form content of 1,500 to 2,500 words typically performs well in search results for competitive topics. For informational posts, 800 to 1,200 words is common. For comprehensive pillar content, 3,000 or more words is effective. The right length depends on the topic's complexity and user intent.
How many characters is a tweet?
Twitter and X have a 280-character limit per post. URLs are shortened to 23 characters regardless of their actual length. Replies that include a username (@handle) count the username toward the limit. Images, videos, and GIFs do not count toward the character limit.
What is the character limit for LinkedIn posts?
LinkedIn posts have a 3,000-character limit. Only the first 210 characters are visible on mobile before a "see more" prompt appears, so front-loading your key message matters. LinkedIn articles have a much higher limit of around 125,000 characters.