Writing Guides
Word counts show up everywhere: assignment rubrics, agent query letters, meta descriptions, and speech timers. These guides answer the questions writers search for most, with numbers you can use immediately.
Browse by topic below, or jump to college writing and SEO writing hubs if you already know your niche. Every guide links back to the word counter so you can verify your draft in seconds.
8 min
Word Count in Google Docs: Shortcut, Menu and Live Counter
Word count in Google Docs: Tools menu, Ctrl+Shift+C shortcut, Mac steps, highlighted text, and mobile. Count words in Google Docs step by step.
6 min
How to Check Word Count in Microsoft Word
Word count Microsoft Word: status bar, Review tab, and keyboard shortcuts. How to count selected text or your full document in Word 365.
5 min
How Many Words Per Page? The Real Answer
Words per page depends on font, spacing, and margins. Here's a practical table for essays, novels, and blog posts.
9 min
How Many Words Are in the English Language and Dictionary?
How many words are in a dictionary? OED lists ~170,000 current words. Merriam-Webster has ~470,000 entries. How many words exist in English overall.
4 min
How Many Words Are in the Bible?
Word counts for the King James Version, NIV, and other translations, plus which books are longest.
3 min
How Many Words Is a 5-Minute Speech?
Most speakers use 125–150 words per minute. Here's how to hit five minutes without rushing or dragging.
4 min
How Many Words Are in a Paragraph?
There's no fixed rule, but most paragraphs run 100–200 words. Here's when to break shorter or go longer.
4 min
Common App Essay Word Count: What You Need to Know
The Common App essay limit is 650 words. Here's how to use that space without padding or cutting too deep.
5 min
Average Novel Word Count by Genre
Literary fiction, romance, sci-fi, and thriller word count ranges, plus what agents actually expect.
5 min
Ideal Word Count for SEO Blog Posts in 2026
Longer isn't always better. Here's what actually ranks, based on intent, not arbitrary length targets.
Guide FAQ
How long should my writing be?
It depends on the format. College essays often run 500–650 words. Blog posts for SEO typically land between 1,200 and 2,500 words. Speeches are measured in minutes, which convert to a word range. Each guide below covers a specific scenario.
How do I check my word count?
Paste your draft into our free word counter. It updates in real time and works the same way as Microsoft Word's counter for standard prose.
Are these guides updated?
Yes. Each guide shows a last-updated date. We revise them when platform limits or common standards change.
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Last updated: 2026-08-28