Quick Answer
A typical short story is 3,000-5,000 words. The full range is 1,000-7,500 words depending on type, purpose, and requirements.
Short Story Word Count Guide
Short stories typically range from 1,000-7,500 words. Flash fiction is under 1,000 words (often under 500). A novelette is 7,500-17,500 words, and a novella is 17,500-40,000 words. Many Australian literary journals accept stories between 2,000-5,000 words.
How to Track Your Short Story Word Count
Use our free word counter tool to paste your short story 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.