Free Word Counter Online
Instantly count words, characters, sentences & paragraphs — plus reading time and top keywords. No sign-up, no limits.
Character Limit Checker
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Why Use an Online Word Counter?
Whether you're writing an essay, a blog post, or a social media caption, knowing your exact word count keeps you on target. SwiftToolAI's free word counter tool updates in real time as you type — no button clicks, no page reloads.
Unlike the built-in word counter in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, our online character counter also shows reading time, speaking time, keyword density, and platform-specific character limits for Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more.
Word Counter for Students & Writers
Students at UK universities frequently need to hit word counts of 1,000, 2,500, or 5,000 words for coursework and dissertations. Our word count checker for essays shows exactly how many words you've written.
After counting, use our free AI text rewriter to polish your draft, or the grammar checker to catch any errors before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I count words online for free?
Paste or type your text into SwiftToolAI's free word counter above. Your word count, character count, sentence count, and reading time will update instantly — no sign-up or download required.
How many words is a standard essay?
A standard school or university essay is typically 500–1,500 words. A short essay is around 500 words, a standard essay 1,000–1,200 words, and a long essay or dissertation chapter can be 2,000–5,000 words or more.
Does the character counter include spaces?
Yes. SwiftToolAI's character counter shows two figures: characters with spaces and characters without spaces, so you can use whichever your platform requires.
How many words can I read per minute?
The average adult reads approximately 200–250 words per minute. SwiftToolAI's word counter calculates your estimated reading time based on 238 words per minute, the widely-cited research average.
How many characters does Twitter/X allow?
Twitter/X allows up to 280 characters per post. Use the character counter above to make sure your tweet fits within the limit before posting.