How to Exclude Footnotes from Word Count in Word for the Web
Question details
The user wants to exclude footnotes and endnotes from the total word count in Word for the Web.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for the Web
- Device & OS
- Chromebook
- Scenario
- Checking the word count for an academic or professional document without including footnotes, endnotes, or text boxes.
- Observed behavior
- Word for the Web does not display the advanced options to include or exclude footnotes, endnotes, or text boxes from the word count.
Verify whether you have access to a Windows or Mac computer with the desktop version of Microsoft Word installed, as the web version lacks advanced word count settings.
Use the Desktop Version of Microsoft Word
Since Word for the Web lacks advanced word count options, you need to open your document in the desktop app to exclude footnotes.
Microsoft Word for the Web is a simplified version of the software. Advanced settings, such as checking the word count without footnotes, endnotes, and text boxes, are only available in the full desktop application.
While viewing your document in Word for the Web, look for the 'Editing' ribbon and click on 'Open in Desktop App'.
Once the document opens in the desktop version of Word, go to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon.
Click on 'Word Count' in the Proofing group. A small dialog box will appear.
At the bottom of the Word Count box, uncheck the box that says 'Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes', then click 'Close'.
Use WPS Office for Advanced Word Count Features
If you are on a Chromebook and cannot access the desktop version of Microsoft Word, WPS Office is a fantastic, lightweight alternative. It offers advanced word processing tools, full compatibility with Microsoft formats, and precise word count features completely free.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file.
- 2. Go to the Review tab: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top menu bar.
- 3. Check Word Count: Click 'Word Count'. In the pop-up window, uncheck 'Include textboxes, footnotes and endnotes' to get your exact count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the Word Count advanced options in Word Online?
Word Online is a simplified, browser-based version of Microsoft Word designed for basic editing. Microsoft has omitted several advanced formatting and proofing tools, including the ability to exclude footnotes from the word count, to keep the web app lightweight.
How do I check the word count without footnotes on a Chromebook?
Since the full Microsoft Word desktop app is not available on Chrome OS, you can either manually subtract the footnote word count, use the Android version of an Office app if your Chromebook supports it, or switch to a compatible alternative like WPS Office.
Does the word count at the bottom of the screen include footnotes?
By default, the live word count displayed in the status bar at the bottom of the Microsoft Word window usually includes footnotes and endnotes. You must open the specific Word Count dialog box to change this setting.
