Word Counter & Text Analyzer
Count words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs in real time. See estimated reading time and speaking time instantly. Analyse your top keyword frequency with 1-word, 2-word, and 3-word phrase detection -- perfect for SEO content optimisation.
Instant Word & Character Count
Real-time counts for words, characters (with and without spaces), sentences, and paragraphs
Reading & Speaking Time
Estimate how long it takes to read (238 wpm) or speak (150 wpm) your text aloud
Keyword Frequency Analysis
See your top 10 keywords and phrases with density percentages for SEO optimisation
Top Keyword Frequency
Most frequently used phrases in your text (stop words excluded)
Word Count Guidelines by Content Type
Use these benchmarks to plan content that ranks well and engages readers
Long-form blog posts of 1,500-2,500 words tend to rank highest in organic search results
Effective landing pages typically need 500-1,000 words to convey value and drive conversions
Keep email newsletters between 200 and 500 words for the best open-to-click rates
X/Twitter limits posts to 280 characters. LinkedIn allows up to 3,000 characters per post
Why Word Count Matters for SEO
- Longer content covers topics more thoroughly, signalling expertise to search engines
- Posts with 2,000+ words earn 3x more backlinks than shorter content on average
- Keyword density between 1-2% for primary terms avoids stuffing penalties while maintaining relevance
- Reading time shown in search snippets improves click-through rates from SERPs
Tips for Effective Content Length
- Match or exceed the word count of the top 5 ranking pages for your target keyword
- Use 2-word and 3-word phrases naturally throughout your content for semantic relevance
- Add reading time to blog posts -- it sets expectations and reduces bounce rates
- Write to be comprehensive, not verbose -- every paragraph should deliver value
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about word counting, reading time, and keyword analysis
How does the word counter work?
The word counter splits your text by whitespace and counts each token as a word. It updates in real time as you type or paste text. Characters are counted with and without spaces, sentences are detected by terminal punctuation marks (. ! ?), and paragraphs are separated by blank lines. All processing happens locally in your browser -- nothing is sent to a server.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is calculated by dividing your total word count by 238 words per minute, which is the average silent reading speed for adults according to research published in the Journal of Memory and Language. A 1,000-word article takes roughly 4 minutes and 12 seconds to read. This is the same formula used by Medium and other major publishing platforms.
How is speaking time calculated?
Speaking time is calculated at 150 words per minute, which is the average pace for presentations and public speaking. This is slower than reading because speakers pause, emphasise key points, and adjust for audience comprehension. A 1,000-word script takes roughly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to deliver. Use this estimate to prepare presentations that fit your allotted time slot.
What is keyword density and why does it matter?
Keyword density is the percentage of times a keyword or phrase appears relative to the total word count. For SEO, a natural keyword density of 1-2% for primary keywords is generally recommended. Higher density can trigger keyword stuffing penalties from search engines. This tool shows density for 1-word, 2-word, and 3-word phrases so you can optimise content naturally. Learn more in our SEO services overview.
What are the ideal word counts for different content types?
Ideal word counts vary by content type. Blog posts perform best at 1,500 to 2,500 words for SEO. Landing pages work well at 500 to 1,000 words. Email newsletters should be 200 to 500 words. Social media posts are most effective at 40 to 80 words. Long-form pillar content can range from 3,000 to 7,000+ words. The best length depends on search intent and topic depth.
How do I count characters for social media posts?
Use the "Characters" count for platforms that include spaces in their limits, such as X/Twitter (280 characters) and Facebook (63,206 characters). Use "Characters (no spaces)" if a platform excludes spaces. LinkedIn posts allow up to 3,000 characters including spaces. This tool shows both counts in real time so you can stay within platform limits.
Does this tool store or save my text?
No. This word counter runs entirely in your browser. Your text is never sent to a server, stored in a database, or shared with any third party. All processing happens locally on your device using JavaScript. When you close or refresh the page, your text is gone.
How can I use word count data to improve my content strategy?
Use word count data to benchmark against top-ranking competitors for your target keywords. Analyse their average word count, then match or exceed it with higher-quality content. Track keyword density to ensure natural usage without stuffing. Use reading time estimates in your blog post headers to set reader expectations and reduce bounce rates. For more on content strategy, see our guide on B2B content strategy for complex sales cycles.
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