Word Counter
Paste or type your text below to see word count, character count, sentence count, and estimated reading time — updated as you type.
Standard Word & Character Limits
Writing to a specific limit? Here are the common caps and targets for popular platforms and formats — paste your text above and compare against the count.
| Platform / format | Limit or target |
|---|---|
| X (Twitter) post | 280 characters |
| Instagram caption (before "…more") | ~125 characters |
| Facebook post (best engagement) | 40–80 characters |
| Google meta description | 150–160 characters |
| Google title tag | 50–60 characters |
| SMS text message (single segment) | 160 characters |
| College admission essay | 250–650 words |
| Graduate personal statement | 500–1,000 words |
| Standard 5-paragraph essay | ~500 words |
| Blog post (SEO-friendly) | 1,000–2,000+ words |
FAQ
How is word count calculated?
Words are counted by splitting the text on whitespace — any run of letters, numbers, or punctuation between spaces counts as one word. This matches how word processors like Word or Google Docs count, so the numbers should line up closely.
How is reading time estimated?
Reading time is based on an average adult reading speed of around 200–250 words per minute for silent reading of standard text. It's an estimate — actual reading speed varies a lot depending on the reader and how dense the material is.
Why do I need a character count with a limit?
Character counts matter for platforms with hard limits — X/Twitter posts, meta descriptions for SEO, text messages, and some form fields all cap input by character rather than word count.
Does this tool store or upload my text?
No — the counting happens directly in your browser. Nothing you type or paste is sent anywhere or saved.
What is the character limit for a Twitter/X post?
280 characters per post. Paste your draft above and watch the character count to stay under the limit.
What's the ideal length for an Instagram caption?
Instagram truncates captions to about 125 characters before showing "…more," so the most important part of your caption should land in that first 125 characters even if the full caption runs longer.
How long should a meta description be for SEO?
Aim for 150–160 characters. Google typically truncates meta descriptions longer than that in search results.
How many words is a typical college essay?
Most college admission essays run 250–650 words (the Common App essay caps at 650). Graduate school personal statements are usually longer, around 500–1,000 words.
About this tool
This counter tracks words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences, paragraphs, and estimated reading time, all updating live as you type or paste. Useful for essays, social posts with character limits, SEO meta descriptions, or just checking how long something is before you send it.