Word Counter
Count words, characters, sentences and paragraphs, and estimate reading and speaking time for any text.
How words and characters are counted
A word is any run of letters or numbers, including apostrophes and hyphens, so "don't" and "well-known" each count as one word. Characters include spaces and punctuation; the second figure leaves out spaces, which some publishers and translation agencies use for pricing.
Reading and speaking time
Average adult silent reading speed for non-fiction is about 238 words per minute, according to a 2019 review of 190 studies. Comfortable speaking pace for presentations is about 130–150 words per minute. A 1,000-word article takes about 4 minutes to read and 7 minutes to deliver as a speech.
Common length limits
| Format | Limit |
|---|---|
| Post on X (Twitter) | 280 characters |
| Google search title | About 50–60 characters |
| Meta description | About 150–160 characters |
| SMS message | 160 characters |
| Common App college essay | 650 words |
| Typical blog post | 1,000–2,000 words |
Privacy
Counting happens in your browser. The text you paste is not uploaded or stored, so it is safe to use with drafts and confidential documents.
Frequently asked questions
How many pages is 1,000 words?
About 2 pages single-spaced or 4 pages double-spaced in a 12-point font with standard margins.
Do numbers count as words?
Yes. A number like 2025 counts as one word, as most word processors do.
How long does it take to read 1,000 words?
About 4 minutes at an average reading speed of 238 words per minute.
Last reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Results are estimates; check important decisions with a qualified professional.