How to check your word count in Google Docs
You can check the word count of a document in Google Docs by using a keyboard shortcut or by accessing the option in the header menu. You can also check a document’s word count using the Google Docs mobile app.
Check the word count in Google Docs on a desktop
There are several ways to check the word count of your document on PC. You can also get the word count of the entire document or just a specific section.
To get the word count of the entire document, click “Tools” in the header menu and then select “Word Count” from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+C on a Windows PC or Command+Shift+C on a Mac.
Brad Chaco
A pop-up window will appear. Here you can see the total word count of the document. You can also choose to display the word count on the screen as you type by checking the box next to the “Show word count as you type” option, then click OK.
Brad Chaco
The word count is displayed in the lower left corner of the screen.
Brad Chaco
If you want to see the word count for a specific part of the document, first select that text by clicking and dragging the cursor over it.
Brad Chaco
Then click Tools > Word Count (or use the keyboard shortcut) to view the word count of the highlighted selection. If you displayed the word count on the screen, you can see it there as well.
Brad Chaco
Check word count in Google Docs on mobile
You can also check your document’s word count from the iOS or Android mobile app. Launch the app, then tap the More icon in the top-right corner of the screen. (This icon consists of three dots in a horizontal line on iOS and three dots in a vertical line on Android.)
Brad Chaco
In the panel that appears on the right side of the screen, tap Word Count.
Brad Chaco
The word count is then displayed.
Brad Chaco
You can also view the word count of a specific text selection. Tap and drag your finger across the text to highlight it.
Brad Chaco
Next, tap the More icon, then tap Word Count. The word count of the selected text is displayed.
Brad Chaco
That’s all there is to it. Unfortunately, if you want the word count to appear on-screen as you type, you’ll have to use the desktop version of Google Docs, as that option isn’t currently available on the iOS or Android mobile app.