Before submitting an assignment, checking its word count is a quick step that can save you from an avoidable problem. If your teacher or institution has given you a specific word limit, being too far below or above that range may affect how your work is assessed.
Fortunately, checking word count only takes a few seconds. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and online word-counting tools can all help you find the number of words in your assignment.
Why Does Word Count Matter?
A word limit usually gives you an idea of how much detail your assignment is expected to contain. It can also help keep a paper focused instead of allowing it to become unnecessarily long.
For example, an assignment with a 1,500-word requirement should generally be planned differently from a short 500-word response.
The exact rules depend on your school, college, university, teacher, or course. Some assignments allow a small range around the stated number, while others may have stricter requirements.
Always check the instructions provided for your particular assignment.
How to Check Word Count in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word includes a word-count feature, so you don’t need another program to check a document.
Follow these steps:
- Open your assignment in Microsoft Word.
- Look at the status bar at the bottom of the window.
- Find the word count displayed there.
- Click the word count if you want to see additional information about the document.
You can also select a particular paragraph or section before checking the count. This is useful if you want to know how many words are in only part of your assignment.
How to Check Word Count in Google Docs
Google Docs also has a built-in word-count option. This can be convenient if you write and save your assignments online.
To check the count:
- Open your assignment in Google Docs.
- Click Tools in the menu.
- Select Word count.
- Review the information shown in the window.
Google Docs can show more than just the number of words, including other basic document statistics.
Use an Online Word Counter
Sometimes your assignment text isn’t stored in Word or Google Docs. You may have text copied from different sources or simply want to check it separately.
In that situation, an online word counter can be convenient.
The Word Counter on ToolRava lets you paste your text into your browser and quickly see its word count.
A simple way to use it is:
- Copy the text from your assignment.
- Open the ToolRava Word Counter.
- Paste your text into the input box.
- Check the word count shown by the tool.
This can be especially useful when you are working with text that has been copied between different applications.
What Should Be Included in the Word Count?
This is where you should be careful.
Not every assignment uses the same rules when determining its official word count. Some institutions may exclude things such as references, footnotes, appendices, or headings, while others may include some or all of them.
For that reason, don’t assume that the number shown by Word, Google Docs, or an online tool is automatically the official number for your assignment.
Check the assignment instructions first. If the rules aren’t clear, ask your teacher or institution what should be included.
How to Shorten an Assignment That Is Too Long
If you’ve gone over the required limit, don’t simply delete random sentences. Start by looking for parts that don’t add much value.
You can often reduce the length by:
- Removing repeated points.
- Cutting unnecessary introductory phrases.
- Breaking down or rewriting overly complicated sentences.
- Removing information that isn’t directly related to the topic.
- Checking whether every paragraph contributes something useful.
After editing, check the word count again to see how much you’ve reduced.
How to Add Useful Content If an Assignment Is Too Short
Being below the word limit doesn’t mean you should add sentences just to increase the number.
Instead, look at areas where your explanation could be stronger. Depending on the assignment, you might include a relevant example, explain an important idea more clearly, provide supporting evidence, or develop an argument that currently feels incomplete.
The goal should be to make the assignment more useful and complete, rather than simply increasing its word count.
Tips for Checking Your Assignment Before Submission
Checking the number of words is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you review before handing in your work.
A quick final check can include:
- Confirming that you’ve followed the required word limit.
- Checking spelling and grammar.
- Making sure your headings are clear.
- Reviewing citations and references.
- Reading the assignment once from beginning to end.
- Confirming that every required section is included.
- Checking that the document is saved in the required file format.
Taking a few extra minutes for this final review can help catch mistakes that are easy to overlook while writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to check an assignment’s word count?
Microsoft Word and Google Docs both have built-in word-count features. You can also paste your text into an online Word Counter for a quick check.
Does the title count toward an assignment word limit?
It depends on the instructions for your assignment. Some institutions exclude titles, headings, or other parts of a document, while others may count them.
Can I check the word count of only one section?
Yes. In many word-processing programs, you can highlight a specific section and check the word count for the selected text.
Why can two word counters show different results?
Different applications may use slightly different methods for counting words, numbers, symbols, or certain types of formatting. If your school or institution specifies a particular counting method, follow those instructions.
Final Thoughts
Checking your word count before submitting an assignment is a simple part of the editing process, but it can help you avoid going significantly over or under the required length.
Use the built-in counter in Microsoft Word or Google Docs when you’re working in those applications. If you simply need a quick browser-based check, the ToolRava Word Counter gives you another convenient option.
of your assignment directly in your browser.