where do i put the word count on my essay

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How to insert a word count into your word document.

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Word tracks certain summary information about documents, such as the number of words in a document. If you want to display the number of words contained in your document in the document itself that you can quickly update, this is easily accomplished.

To insert a word count in your document, place the cursor at the point in the document where you want to insert the word count and click the “Insert” tab.

In the “Text” section of the “Insert” tab, click the “Quick Parts” button. If your Word window is not wide enough to display “Quick Parts” next to the appropriate button, click the button with the icon to which the mouse cursor is pointing in the following image.

Select “Field” from the drop-down menu.

On the “Field” dialog box, select “Document Information” from the “Categories” drop-down box.

Click on “NumWords” in the “Field names” list on the left.

The “Format” and “Numeric format” lists allow you to specify the format for the field being inserted. However, for the number of words, you don’t need to apply any formatting so don’t select anything from those lists. Click “OK” to insert the field into the document.

The number of words in your document is inserted at the cursor. Once you add or delete words in your document, you can update the word count by right-clicking on the word count number, and selecting “Update Field” from the popup menu.

NOTE: When the cursor is in word count number, the number is highlighted in gray because the number is a field.

If you have other fields in your document you want to update, you can update all of them at once by pressing "Ctrl + A" to select the whole document (minus any headers, footers, footnotes, or endnotes) and then pressing "F9". To update fields in headers, footers, footnotes, and endnotes, you must open those parts of the document and update the fields in them separately.

You can also insert other document properties into your Word document, including built-in and custom properties .

Microsoft Word

How to Display Word Count in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping track of your word count can be essential, whether you’re writing an essay, a report, or even a novel. Microsoft Word makes it easy to display the word count for your document. Here’s a quick overview of how to do it: Open your document in Word, go to the "Review" tab, click on "Word Count", and a box will pop up showing you the number of words, characters, paragraphs, and pages in your document. Simple, right? Let’s dive into more detail.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Display Word Count in Word

Before we get started, it’s important to know that knowing the word count is not just about meeting a requirement, but it can also help you manage your content effectively.

Step 1: Open your document in Word

Open the document you want to check the word count for in Microsoft Word.

This is pretty straightforward—if you don’t have your document open, you can’t check the word count! Make sure you’ve saved your work before you start looking for the word count, so you don’t lose anything.

Step 2: Click on the "Review" tab

At the top of your Word document, click on the "Review" tab in the toolbar.

The "Review" tab is where you’ll find tools to proofread your document, like spell check, but it’s also where the word count tool is located.

Step 3: Click on "Word Count"

In the "Review" tab, you’ll see a button labeled "Word Count." Click on it.

When you click on the "Word Count" button, a small box will pop up. It might take a second to appear, especially if you have a long document.

Step 4: Check your word count

A box will pop up showing you the number of words, characters, paragraphs, and pages in your document.

The word count box doesn’t just show the number of words; it also gives you other useful information. For example, if you need to know the number of characters for a character-limited submission, you can find that here too.

After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a clear understanding of how long your document is. This can be particularly useful if you have a word limit you need to stick to.

Tips for Managing Word Count in Word

If you want to keep an eye on your word count as you write, you can select the option to display it at the bottom of your document.
Remember, headers, footers, and text boxes might not be included in the word count unless you select them.
If you’re working to a strict limit, keep an eye on the character count too—some places count spaces as characters!
You can exclude textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes from the word count if you need to.
If you’re working collaboratively, make sure everyone knows how to check the word count—it can save a lot of time and confusion!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i see the word count as i type.

Yes, Word can display a live word count at the bottom of the screen as you type.

If you look at the bottom left corner of your Word document, you should see the word count there. If it’s not visible, right-click on the status bar and click on "Word Count" to make it appear.

Does the word count include text in headers and footers?

By default, it does not include text in headers, footers, or text boxes.

If you need these included in your word count, you’ll have to manually select the text within them when you check the word count.

Can I see the word count for a specific section of text?

Yes, you can highlight the text you want to count, and then open the word count box.

When you highlight text and then click on the "Word Count" button, the box will show the word count for just the highlighted section.

How accurate is Word’s word count?

It is very accurate for counting words, characters, paragraphs, and pages.

Microsoft Word uses standard rules for counting words, so it should match up with other word processors and the expectations of publishers or professors.

Does Word Count include footnotes and endnotes?

By default, it does not, but you can choose to include them.

In the word count box, there’s a checkbox that allows you to include text in footnotes and endnotes in the total word count.

Open your document in Word.
Click on the "Review" tab.
Click on "Word Count".
Check your word count in the pop-up box.

Displaying the word count in Word is a simple task that can be done in just a few clicks. It’s an invaluable tool for writers of all kinds, ensuring that you can keep track of your document’s length and stay within any given limits. Plus, with additional options like including text in footnotes and excluding textboxes, you have control over what is counted. Remember to keep an eye on the word count as you write—going significantly over or under a word limit can be problematic. So, next time you’re knee-deep in writing, don’t forget to check your word count to ensure you’re on track. Happy writing!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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How to Insert Word Count in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Inserting Word Count in Microsoft Word is easier than you might think! By following a few simple steps, you can quickly see the total number of words in your document. This is super useful for writers, students, and anyone who needs to keep track of their word count. Let’s go through the process together.

How to Insert Word Count in Word

Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to insert a word count in your Microsoft Word document. This will help you keep an eye on how many words you’ve written, which is handy for meeting word limits or just tracking your progress.

Step 1: Open Your Document

First things first, open the document you want to work with.

You can’t track word count if you don’t have your document open. Make sure you’re using Microsoft Word, as different versions may have slightly different steps.

Step 2: Click on the "Review" Tab

At the top of the screen, click on the "Review" tab.

The "Review" tab contains many helpful tools, including the Word Count tool. Clicking on this tab will display all the options available.

Step 3: Find and Click "Word Count"

Locate the "Word Count" button in the "Proofing" group and click on it.

When you click this button, a dialog box will appear showing various statistics about your document, including the number of words.

Step 4: Check "Include Textboxes, Footnotes, and Endnotes"

In the Word Count dialog box, make sure to check the box that says "Include textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes" if you want those counted too.

This step ensures that all the text in your document is included in the word count. If you leave this unchecked, some parts might be missed.

Step 5: Click "OK"

Finally, click the "OK" button to close the Word Count dialog box.

After you click "OK," the word count information will be updated, and you can continue working on your document with an accurate word count shown.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear view of the word count for your entire document. This is invaluable for meeting word requirements or just keeping track of your writing progress.

Tips for Inserting Word Count in Word

Use Shortcuts: You can also use the shortcut Alt + T, W to quickly bring up the Word Count dialog box.
Status Bar Count: Check the word count in the status bar at the bottom of the Word window for an always-visible count.
Update Regularly: Always update the word count before finalizing your document, especially if you’ve made significant changes.
Check Specific Sections: Highlight specific sections to see word counts for those portions alone.
Stay Organized: Use headings and subheadings to help organize your document, making it easier to manage word count by section.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i see word count for a specific section.

Highlight the text you want to count, then click on the "Word Count" button in the "Review" tab. The dialog box will show the word count for just that section.

Can I add the word count to the document itself?

Yes, you can! Go to the "Insert" tab, then click on "Quick Parts" and select "Field." Choose "NumWords" from the list to insert the word count into the document.

Does Word count words in textboxes?

By default, Word does not count words in textboxes. You need to check the "Include textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes" box in the Word Count dialog box to include them.

How accurate is the word count feature?

The word count feature in Word is highly accurate for most purposes. However, it may not count hidden text or certain special characters.

Can I display word count continuously?

Yes, you can see a continuous word count in the status bar at the bottom of the Word window. If it’s not visible, right-click on the status bar and select "Word Count."

Open your document.
Click on the "Review" tab.
Click "Word Count."
Check "Include textboxes, footnotes, and endnotes."
Click "OK."

Inserting word count in Word is a simple yet powerful tool for anyone who needs to keep track of their writing. Whether you’re a student working on an essay, a novelist keeping tabs on your manuscript, or a professional meeting strict word limits for a report, knowing your word count can be a game-changer. By following these easy steps—opening your document, navigating to the "Review" tab, and using the Word Count tool—you’ll always know exactly how many words you’ve written.

Don’t forget to utilize the extra tips provided, such as using shortcuts or checking specific sections, to make your writing process even smoother. And if you ever have any questions, refer back to the FAQ section for quick answers.

So go ahead and start tracking your word count in Word today. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your writing journey!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.

He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.

Read his full bio here .