How to Check Word Count in MS Word: Words, Characters (With/Without Spaces), Paragraphs, and Lines

Word Count in Microsoft Word is an essential feature that helps you know the total number of words, characters, paragraphs, and lines in your document. Whether you are a student, professional, or blogger, this feature is very useful.

The Microsoft Word 'Word Count' dialog box provides detailed statistics on words, characters (with/without spaces), paragraphs, and lines in a document. The current word count is also visible in the bottom status bar.

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How to Check Word Count

1. Open Your Document

First, open the Word document in which you want to check the word count.
A 1–2 page text is enough for a clear demonstration.

Sample Text:

Reading is one of the most important habits a person can develop. It not only improves knowledge but also enhances imagination and critical thinking skills. Regular reading can expand vocabulary, improve focus, and provide new perspectives on various topics.

Begin by opening the Microsoft Word document for which you wish to check the word count, displaying a sample text about reading.

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2. Check Word Count in the Status Bar

• Look at the bottom left corner of your Word window.

• You will see something like: Words: 123

• This number updates automatically as you type or delete text.

✅ If the word count is not visible, right-click the status bar and make sure Word Count is checked.

The live word count is visible in the bottom-left corner of the Word status bar. If not present, right-click the status bar to ensure 'Word Count' is checked.

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3. Open the Word Count Dialog Box

1. Go to the Review tab on the top ribbon.

2. Click Word Count.

3. A dialog box will appear showing:

   • Words – total number of words

   • Characters (with spaces) – total characters including spaces

   • Characters (no spaces) – total characters excluding spaces

   • Paragraphs – total number of paragraphs

   • Lines – total number of lines

This feature is very helpful for essays, reports, or blog posts with word or character limits.

Access the detailed 'Word Count' dialog box by navigating to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon and clicking 'Word Count'. This provides comprehensive document statistics.

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4. Optional Features

• You can check or uncheck Include textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes.

• Word Count will recalculate accordingly.

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5. Conclusion

Now you know exactly how many words, characters, paragraphs, and lines are in your Word document.
Both the Status Bar and Word Count dialog box provide a quick and easy way to track your text.