Counts update in this browser. Text is not sent to a grading service or saved by this tool.
What this counter counts
A word is a whitespace-separated token containing at least one letter or number. A hyphenated phrase without spaces counts as one word. A punctuation-only token does not count. New lines and tabs separate words just as spaces do.
Characters are Unicode code points, including spaces and line breaks. The second character count removes whitespace. A visible symbol made of multiple code points can count as more than one character. Paragraphs are nonempty blocks separated by a blank line, so a single line break does not create another paragraph.
Use your own limit
Enter a positive whole number from your assignment or application instructions. The counter reports how many words remain or how many you need to remove. It does not assume a Common App, university or classroom limit, and it does not decide whether a title or citation should be included.
For example, a 480-word draft against your own 500-word maximum leaves 20 words. If you are over a limit, look for repeated setup and explanation before removing the details that carry the essay's meaning.
Check the destination and keep a copy
Submission systems may use different counting rules. After revising, paste the draft into the actual field, check the displayed count and inspect paragraph breaks. Resolve any disagreement using the destination's instructions.
The tool does not grade or store your text. Leaving or refreshing the page clears the current draft. Keep your own saved copy, and use the clear button when you finish on a shared device.
Questions about this task
Does this upload my essay?
No. This counter calculates from text in browser memory and makes no request to a grading service.
Why is my word processor's count different?
It may use another rule for hyphens, symbols or punctuation. This page states its rule so you can interpret the result.
Does it check grammar or quality?
No. It measures text length and paragraph blocks only.
Is the limit set for a particular application?
No. You enter the limit from your actual instructions. No current admissions requirements are assumed.
Will my text be here next time?
No. Download or save your draft elsewhere before leaving this page.