Character Counter
Count characters and words instantly. A clean space for your next draft, with nothing to sign up for.
Different websites count emoji and line breaks differently. Match the counting method to your destination.
More text statistics & counting details
A visible character can contain several Unicode code points. Whitespace is removed for “Without spaces.” Blank lines separate paragraphs. Reading time is an estimate. Text is not sent to a counting server.
Paste or type
Your counts update as you write. Open a plain-text file if your draft is already saved.
Check your length
Compare words and characters, choose a counting method and set your own limit.
Keep your work
Copy or download your text. Draft saving is optional and stays in this browser.
Make the most of the numbers.
Practical guides, with examples.
Characters vs. words: what are you actually counting?
A word limit and a character limit measure different things. Here is how to check both without guessing.
Writing guideHow to count characters without spaces
Understand what is excluded, and why tabs and line breaks can change a count.
Writing guideWhy an emoji can count as more than one character
Visible symbols, Unicode code points and text units are not always the same.
Writing guideHow to shorten a draft to a character limit
Use a clear limit, then remove low-value words without losing the point.
Writing guideEstimating reading time from word count
A useful planning estimate is not a promise about how quickly every reader reads.
Writing guideCounting private text without uploading it
What happens to pasted text, opened files and optional local drafts.
Good questions. Clear answers.
Does it count spaces?
The main character count includes spaces and line breaks. “Without spaces” excludes whitespace. More statistics show code points and UTF-16 units.
Is the text uploaded?
No. Counting and opening text files happen in your browser. Saving a draft is an optional local-browser feature.
Why does another website show a different count?
Emoji, combined accents, line breaks and platform-specific weighting can be counted differently. Compare the extra statistics and check the destination’s own rules.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Type or paste text in a current mobile browser. Counts update automatically, with no account required.