Word counts for common formats
| Format | Typical length |
|---|---|
| Blog post | 1,000 – 2,000 words |
| University essay | 1,500 – 3,000 words |
| Conference talk (20 min) | ~2,800 words |
| Press release | 400 – 500 words |
| Cover letter | 250 – 400 words |
Reading time assumes 238 words per minute and speaking time 140 — the usual measured rates for adult prose and spoken delivery. Both are estimates: dense or technical writing is slower, and a rehearsed talk is often faster.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this word counter free?
Yes, with no account and no limit on how much you paste.
How does it decide what counts as a word?
Anything separated by whitespace. So "twenty-one" and "don't" count as one word each, while "well - done" counts as three because the dash stands alone. That matches how Word and Google Docs count, which is what a marker or editor will be checking against.
How many pages is my word count?
Roughly 500 words per double-spaced page in 12pt Times New Roman, or about 250 for single spacing — so 1,000 words is about two double-spaced pages. Exact pagination depends on font, margins and spacing, so treat it as an estimate.
How is reading time calculated?
At 238 words per minute, the median silent reading rate for adults on general prose. Technical or unfamiliar material reads more slowly; skimming is much faster.
Is my text uploaded?
No. Counting happens in your browser, so essays, drafts and confidential documents never leave your device.