Word Count on Google Docs: Desktop, Mobile, and Live Counter

How to check word count on Google Docs mobile (Android, iPhone, and iPad)

1. Open the Google Docs app.
2. Open your document.
3. Tap More (three dots).
4. Tap Word count.

On mobile, Word count shows Words, Characters, and Characters excluding spaces. You may not see page count the same way you do on desktop.

Count a selection on mobile

1. Press and drag to select the text (use the selection handles to expand or shrink the selection).
2. Tap More (three dots) > Word count.

You should see the selection count (often displayed as something like X of Y), which is handy when your intro, summary, or section has its own limit.

What Google Docs counts (and what it usually ignores)

Word counts are not universal. Google Docs word count is designed for the main body of your document and typically excludes headers, footers, and footnotes from the default whole-document count. If your school, client, or platform counts those elements differently, always follow their rule and treat Docs as a quick estimate.

• Words: counts word-like tokens in the body text. Symbols generally are not counted as words.
• Characters: counts letters, numbers, punctuation, and spaces.
• Characters without spaces: useful for fields that ignore whitespace (some forms and platforms do this).

Troubleshooting

I cannot find Word count

• Make sure you are editing a Google Doc (Word count is not available in Google Sheets or Google Slides).
• If the file opened in Microsoft Office compatibility mode, Word count may be unavailable until you convert it to a Google Doc format.
• On mobile, look under More (three dots). On desktop, look under Tools.

Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C) does not work

• Use the menu path first (Tools > Word count). Shortcuts can be blocked by browser extensions, custom keyboard managers, or OS-level shortcuts.
• Click inside the document body (not a comment box or dialog) before trying the shortcut.
• On Mac, confirm you are using Command + Shift + C, not Control.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your grader or platform uses the same rules. Google Docs typically excludes headers, footers, and footnotes from the default word count, but some guidelines include them (or exclude things like tables and references). Always double-check against the official requirement.
• Mixing up words and characters. Word limits are common for essays and briefs; character limits are common for titles, descriptions, and forms. Google Docs shows both, so pick the metric you actually need.
• Forgetting that the live counter is per-document. If you start a new Doc, you may need to enable Display word count while typing again.

When you need to hit a specific word count (a practical workflow)

1. Check the target. Write down the required range (for example 1,200 to 1,500 words) and whether it includes references, footnotes, or appendices.
2. Measure the right scope. If only one section has a limit, select it and run Word count on the selection.
3. If you are over the limit: delete repeated ideas first, then tighten long sentences, then remove low-value examples. Focus on cutting whole clauses, not just words.
4. If you are under the limit: add one more supporting point per section, expand definitions, and add one concrete example where readers might get stuck.
5. Re-check and lock. Run Word count one last time, then stop making structural changes.

A faster way to adjust length after you check the count

If your draft is close but not quite within the limit, a rewrite pass can save time. QuillBot is useful for tightening paragraphs, expanding ideas, and polishing grammar and tone while keeping the original meaning. If that is your next step, you can rewrite and polish text to match your target word count.

Good fit for: students, marketers, and non-native writers who need to shorten or expand copy without starting over.

• Shorten or expand text to hit word or character targets.
• Grammar and tone adjustments to improve clarity.
• Summarize long sections into a tighter version.

FAQ

Does Google Docs show character count too?

Yes. In Tools > Word count (and in the mobile Word count panel), you can see Characters and Characters excluding spaces.

How do I keep word count on screen while typing?

On desktop: Tools > Word count, tick Display word count while typing, then OK. A small counter appears in the bottom-left; click it to change what it displays or to hide it.

Can I count only one paragraph or section?

Yes. Select the text first, then open Word count. Docs will show the selection count alongside the total.

Why is my word count different from my submission portal?

Different systems include or exclude different elements (headers, footers, footnotes, tables, references, captions). Follow the portal rules and use Docs as a quick check while drafting.

Is word count available in Google Sheets or Slides?

No. The built-in Word count feature is for Google Docs documents.

What is the difference between characters and characters without spaces?

Characters includes spaces; characters without spaces removes whitespace. Some forms and platforms measure one or the other, so match the requirement.

Conclusion

To check word count on Google Docs, use Tools > Word count (or the shortcut) and enable the live counter if you want continuous tracking. If you are building a stronger writing workflow, start here: Character count basics and Writing tools.

Sources

• Google Docs Editors Help: Count the words in a document (desktop)
• Google Docs Editors Help: Count the words in a document (Android)
• Google Docs Editors Help: Keyboard shortcuts (word count)
• TechRepublic: How to check the word count in Google Docs
• How-To Geek: How to check word count on Google Docs