Essay Word Counter
Paste your essay and set your word limit to track progress. See your word count, character count, paragraph count, reading time, and how close you are to your target — all in real time.
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0 / 1,000 words (0%)Start writing...
Common Essay Word Limits
| Essay Type | Typical Word Count | Pages (Double-Spaced) |
|---|---|---|
| Short response | 250–300 words | 1 page |
| Standard essay | 500–750 words | 2–3 pages |
| University assignment | 1,000–2,000 words | 4–8 pages |
| Research paper | 2,500–5,000 words | 10–20 pages |
| Honours thesis | 10,000–15,000 words | 40–60 pages |
| Masters thesis | 20,000–40,000 words | 80–160 pages |
| PhD dissertation | 60,000–100,000 words | 240–400 pages |
Tips for Meeting Your Word Count
- Too short? Expand your arguments with evidence, examples, and analysis. Don't pad with filler words.
- Too long? Cut redundant phrases, remove unnecessary adverbs, and tighten your sentences. Our cliché finder and filler word checker can help.
- Tolerance: Most Australian universities allow ±10% of the stated word limit unless otherwise specified.
Count Your Words Now
Paste your text and get an instant word count, character count, and reading time estimate.
Open Word CounterFrequently Asked Questions
Do footnotes count in word count?
This varies by university. At most Australian institutions, footnotes are excluded from the word count. Reference lists, bibliographies, and appendices are also typically excluded. Check your unit guide.
Does the heading count in word count?
Generally, titles and headings are excluded from the word count at Australian universities. Tables, figures, and captions may also be excluded depending on the institution.
What is the tolerance for essay word counts?
Most universities allow ±10% of the word limit. A 2,000-word essay typically accepts between 1,800 and 2,200 words. However, some universities enforce strict limits, so always check your assignment guidelines.