Word Counter
Count words, characters, and sentences. Analyze keyword density and preview your Google snippet.
How the Word Counter Works
Paste or type your text and get instant counts for words, characters, sentences, and paragraphs. The tool also estimates reading time (based on 238 words per minute) and speaking time (based on 150 words per minute) so you can gauge how long your content will take to consume.
Use the keyword density checker to ensure your target keyword appears at a healthy frequency (1-3%), and preview exactly how your page will look on Google with the SERP preview tool.
Why Word Count Matters for SEO
Content Length
Search engines favor comprehensive content. Top-ranking pages for competitive keywords average 1,500-2,500 words.
Keyword Density
Overusing keywords leads to penalties. The sweet spot is 1-3% density for your primary keyword.
Meta Description Length
Google truncates descriptions over 160 characters. Keep yours between 120-160 characters for best results.
Title Tag Length
Title tags over 60 characters get cut off in search results. Keep it concise and front-load your keyword.
Readability
Shorter sentences and paragraphs improve readability scores. Aim for an average of 15-20 words per sentence.
User Engagement
The right word count keeps users on your page longer, sending positive engagement signals to search engines.
Content Length Guidelines
| Content Type | Ideal Word Count | Reading Time |
|---|---|---|
| Social media post | 40-100 | < 30 sec |
| Product description | 300-400 | 1-2 min |
| Blog post | 1,500-2,500 | 6-10 min |
| Pillar page | 3,000-5,000 | 12-20 min |
| White paper | 5,000-10,000 | 20-40 min |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this word counter free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up required. Paste your text and get instant results.
How is reading time calculated?
We use 238 words per minute, which is the average silent reading speed for adults. Speaking time uses 150 words per minute, the average pace for presentations.
What is keyword density?
Keyword density is the percentage of times a keyword appears compared to total words. For example, if your keyword appears 3 times in a 100-word text, the density is 3%. Aim for 1-3% for SEO.
How long should a meta description be?
Google typically displays 120-160 characters of a meta description. Keep it within this range to avoid truncation in search results.