How to Check Word Count in Microsoft Word

To check word count in Microsoft Word, look at the status bar at the bottom of the window for a live total, or open Review → Word Count for a full breakdown of words, characters, pages, paragraphs, and lines. Select text first when you need counts for only part of the document.

Key Takeaways

• The status bar shows a running word total for the full document on desktop Word.
• Review → Word Count opens a dialog with words, characters (with and without spaces), pages, paragraphs, and lines.
• Select text before opening Word Count to see selection-only statistics.
• On Word for Mac, use the same Review menu path; right-click the status bar if the count is hidden.
• Totals can differ when footnotes, endnotes, or text boxes are included—always confirm in the same view you use for submission.

Quick Answer: Where to Find Word Count in Word

Microsoft Word offers two everyday options on desktop:

1. Status bar — glance at the bottom-left corner while you type.
2. Review → Word Count — open the detailed statistics dialog.

Both update as you edit. For section-level checks, highlight the text you want to measure, then read the status bar or open the Word Count dialog.

Check Total Word Count from the Status Bar

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word (Windows or Mac).
2. Look at the status bar along the bottom edge of the window.
3. Find the Words indicator—it shows the document total.

On most setups, the status bar also displays page number and language. Click the word count if your version supports it; some builds open the full Word Count dialog from that click.

The status bar count reflects the entire document unless you have text selected. When you highlight a passage, many Word versions switch to show words in selection instead.

Enable Word Count on the Status Bar

If you do not see a word total:

1. Right-click anywhere on the status bar (the gray strip at the bottom).
2. In the context menu, check Word Count (or Words).
3. Click elsewhere to close the menu—the counter should appear.

If the status bar itself is hidden:

• Windows: Go to View and confirm Status Bar is checked.
• Mac: Open View → Status Bar (or View → Footer in some versions) to show the bottom bar.

After enabling, save the document and scroll once to refresh the display. If the count still reads zero, make sure the file is not in Read Mode or a restricted view that hides editing controls.

Open Review → Word Count for Full Statistics

For a complete breakdown:

1. Click the Review tab on the ribbon.
2. Select Word Count in the Proofing group.
3. Read the dialog fields.

The Word Count dialog typically reports:

Statistic	What it shows
Words	Total words in the document or selection
Characters (no spaces)	Letters, numbers, and symbols—spaces excluded
Characters (with spaces)	All characters including spaces
Paragraphs	Paragraph breaks in scope
Lines	Line count based on current layout
Pages	Page count for the document or selection

Check Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes when you need those elements in the total. Uncheck it when you want body text only—this setting explains many “why is my count different?” moments.

Count Words in Selected Text Only

1. Highlight the heading, paragraph, or chapter you want to measure.
2. Check the status bar—it should show selection word count.
3. Or open Review → Word Count—the dialog lists both document and selection figures.

This method works well for abstract limits, per-section blog drafts, or thesis chapters without splitting files. Clear the selection to return to the full-document total.

Word Count in Microsoft Word for Mac

On Word for Mac, the paths match the desktop workflow:

1. Status bar — enable Word Count via right-click on the status bar if it is missing.
2. Review → Word Count — opens the same statistics dialog as on Windows.
3. Selection counts — highlight text first, then open the dialog or read the status bar.

Menu labels and ribbon layout can vary slightly by Office version (Microsoft 365 vs. one-time purchase). If Review is collapsed, use the search box in the title bar and type “Word Count” to jump to the command.

Why Word Count Numbers May Differ

The same document can show different totals depending on settings and tools:

Factor	Effect
Footnotes	Included when the dialog checkbox is on; excluded when off
Endnotes	Same rule as footnotes
Text boxes	May be excluded unless “Include textboxes…” is checked
Selected text	Counts only the highlight, not the full file
Different editors	Word vs. another app may treat fields, headers, or embedded objects differently

For submission, pick one method—usually Review → Word Count with the same checkboxes your school or publisher uses—and stick with it through final export.

WPS Writer as a Cross-Platform Alternative

Microsoft Word remains the standard for many .docx workflows. WPS Writer is a practical alternative when you work across Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android and want familiar word-count controls without changing how you draft.

In WPS Writer:

• The status bar shows live word totals and selection counts.
• Review → Word Count lists words, characters, pages, paragraphs, and lines in one dialog.
• .docx files from Word open with compatible layout and counting behavior.

For a step-by-step walkthrough in WPS, see how to count words in WPS Writer. Writer is especially useful when you need offline access or a single suite for Word, spreadsheet, and PDF tasks alongside counting tools.

Need a quick browser-based count or guides for other document apps? Try the WPS Word Counter.

FAQs

How do I check word count in Microsoft Word quickly?

Look at the status bar at the bottom of the window for a live total. For characters, pages, and paragraphs, open Review → Word Count.

What is the keyboard shortcut for Word Count in Word?

There is no universal default shortcut in all versions. Use Review → Word Count, or search “Word Count” in the Tell Me / search box on the ribbon.

Does Word count include footnotes?

Only when Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes is checked in the Word Count dialog. The status bar may use different rules—confirm in the dialog for submission totals.

How do I count words in one section only?

Select the section, then read the status bar or open Review → Word Count to see selection statistics separate from the document total.

Why does my Word count differ from another app?

Footnotes, text boxes, headers, and export settings vary by application. Use one tool for final counting—typically Word’s own Word Count dialog with consistent checkboxes.

Where is Word Count on Word for Mac?

Open Review → Word Count, or right-click the status bar and enable Word Count. Selection-based counts work the same as on Windows.

Summary

How to check word count in Microsoft Word: use the status bar for a quick total while you type, or Review → Word Count for words, characters (with and without spaces), pages, paragraphs, and lines. Select text first for section-only stats; on Mac, use the same Review path and status-bar options. Totals shift when footnotes, endnotes, or text boxes are included—match your dialog settings to your submission requirements. For similar controls across platforms, WPS Writer offers Review → Word Count and live status-bar totals on .docx files.