Document Guide

How Many Words Should a Cover Letter Be?

Quick Answer

A typical cover letter is 250-350 words. The full range is 200-400 words depending on type, purpose, and requirements.

Cover Letter Word Count Guide

A cover letter should be concise and focused — ideally fitting on a single page. In Australia, most hiring managers spend 6-7 seconds scanning a cover letter, so brevity is key. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs: introduction, why you're a fit, key achievement, and a call to action.

How to Track Your Cover Letter Word Count

Use our free word counter tool to paste your cover letter text and instantly see your word count, character count, paragraph count, and estimated page count. It's the fastest way to ensure you're within your target range.