Add the text, code or data.
01Text & Writing toolClean text
Word & Character Counter
Live counts, sentences and reading time.
100% FreeRuns instantlyNo watermark
- 1Paste inputAdd the text, code or data.
- 2AdjustChoose formatting or generation options.
- 3RunProcess everything in the browser.
Private by designProcessed on your device where possible.
Works on any deviceDesktop, tablet and mobile browsers.
No installationOpen the page and start working.
Always free coreUse the free plan for everyday tasks.
How to use Word & Character Counter
Choose formatting or generation options.
02Process everything in the browser.
03Copy or download the clean result.
04Your files stay private
Your work is processed locally in your browser where possible and is never added to a Vootkit upload library.
Learn more about privacyAlmost every word count that matters is somebody else’s limit — a 500-word essay, a 160-character meta description, a personal statement capped at 4,000. The number updates as you type so you can see how far over you are while you cut.
What Word & Character Counter does
Counts words, characters, sentences, paragraphs and lines as you type, and estimates how long the text takes to read aloud or silently.
Characters are counted twice: with spaces and without. That distinction matters more than it sounds, because form limits and social platforms disagree about which one they mean, and being 40 characters over is usually the difference.
What is counted, and how
| Words | Runs of non-space characters — hyphenated words count as one |
|---|---|
| Characters | Counted both with and without spaces |
| Sentences | Detected by full stop, question mark or exclamation mark |
| Paragraphs | Separated by a blank line |
| Reading time | Based on 200 words a minute — silent reading |
| Speaking time | Based on 130 words a minute — reading aloud |
| Updates | Live, on every keystroke |
Detailed steps
- Type or paste your text into the box.
- Read the counts, which update as you type.
- Watch the character count with and without spaces if you are working to a form limit — they can differ substantially.
Worth knowing
The two timing figures exist because they answer different questions. 200 words a minute is silent reading; 130 is speaking pace, which is what you want for a presentation, a video script or a wedding speech. Using the reading figure to plan a talk is how five minutes becomes eight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my count differ from Word or Google Docs?
Different tools disagree at the edges — hyphenated compounds, numbers, text in headings and footnotes. Here a word is any run of non-space characters, which is the most common definition. Expect small differences on the same text, and check against whatever tool the person setting the limit is using.
Which character count do social platforms use?
Almost always characters including spaces, and many count emoji as more than one. If you are close to a limit, use the with-spaces figure and leave a little headroom.
How accurate is the reading time?
It is an average, not a measurement. 200 words a minute is typical for adults reading straightforward prose; dense technical writing is slower and light fiction faster. Treat it as a planning figure.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. The counting happens as you type, in this page, which is why it responds instantly — there is no round trip to a server, and nothing to store.
Is Word & Character Counter free?
Yes. The Vootkit free plan includes 5 tool runs a day. Upgrade to Vootkit Pro for unlimited daily use, an ad-free workspace and saved workflows.
Are my files uploaded?
No. Word & Character Counter runs entirely in your browser — your file is processed on your own device and never sent to a server. There is nothing for us to store or delete.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Word & Character Counter works in any modern browser on desktop, tablet or phone. Open the page and start.
How often can I use it? Is there a daily limit?
On the free plan you get 5 tool runs a day. When you reach the limit you'll see a prompt to upgrade, and it resets the next day. Vootkit Pro removes the cap entirely for unlimited daily use.
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This tool processes everything locally in your browser. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it will still work.