Similarly, if you need to hit a certain number of characters, perhaps for an online form, checking word count on Google Docs will show you.  With Google Docs becoming an ever-more-popular alternative to Microsoft Word — thanks in large part to its collaborative features and the fact that it’s free — it pays to know your way around the software. So, here’s how to check word count on Google Docs. Note: whether you’re working on the desktop application, or using the mobile app on one of the best phones, the process is simple (albeit different). We’ve covered it all here.

How to view word count in Google Docs: Windows & Mac

Highlight text you want to check [optional]Press Shift+Ctrl+C (Windows) or Shift+Cmd+C (Mac)View word countHit Enter to return to document

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.

  1. If you only want to check a certain chunk of text, click and drag to highlight the text to check. Otherwise skip to Step 2.
  2. Press Shift + Ctrl + C (Windows) or Shift + Cmd + C (Mac).
  3. View your word count in the pop up box. You can also see characters with and without spaces. If done, click OK or hit Enter to return to the document.
  4. Alternatively, if you want to see the word count while typing, check the box next to Display word count while typing. If done, click OK or hit Enter to return to the document.
  5. You can now view your word count while typing. Click on the word count box to see the other word count information. 
  6. Click Hide word count to remove the display while typing.

How to view word count in Google Docs: iOS & Android

Highlight text you want to check [optional]Tap the three dots icon, top rightTap Word countView word countTap the back arrow to return to document

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.

  1. If you only want to check a certain chunk of text, double tap and drag to highlight the text to check. Otherwise skip to Step 2.
  2. Tap the three dots icon, top right.
  3. Select Word count.
  4. View your word count and tap on the back arrow when done. There you have it. Not so hard, right? Now you won’t go over your word limits and will hopefully get top grades on all of your essays. If you enjoyed this tutorial, we have a range of other tutorials to help you with your computing. Want more Google Drive support? Read our 11 Google Drive tips to help you save time. We can also help you learn how to do a strikethrough in Google Docs and how to change margins in Google Docs. Mac a little sluggish? Give it a spring clean by reading our guide on how to clear the cache on Mac. Want to find out what that image is of? Check out how to do a reverse image search on Google.

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