6 min · Updated 2026-08-28
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.
Quick answer
Click the word total in the bottom-left status bar, or open Review → Word count. On Windows, Ctrl+Shift+G opens the same dialog.
Microsoft Word has counted words for decades, but the total keeps moving between the status bar, the Review tab, and a popup dialog. Here is every method that still works in Word 365 and the desktop app.
Status bar (fastest): Look at the bottom-left corner for something like "Words: 1,247". Click it for pages, characters, paragraphs, and lines. If you do not see it, right-click the status bar and turn on Word Count.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+G on Windows opens the full word count box. Mac has no default shortcut, so use the status bar click instead.
Review tab: Review → Word Count opens the same dialog if you prefer the ribbon.
Selected text only: Highlight a passage first, then open word count. The numbers reflect your selection, not the whole document.
Counts should match our free word counter online for plain body text. Mismatches usually come from text boxes, headers, footers, or tracked changes.
Drafting in Google Docs too? Our word count in Google Docs guide covers the menu path and Ctrl+Shift+C shortcut there.
Try the word counter
Paste your text below to count words and check readability.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get word count in Microsoft Word?
Click the word count in the status bar (bottom-left), or go to Review → Word count. On Windows, Ctrl+Shift+G opens the dialog.
Where is word count in Word?
Bottom-left status bar by default. If hidden, right-click the status bar and enable Word Count. You can also use Review → Word count.
Why does my Word count differ from online counters?
Usually it's text boxes, headers/footers, or tracked changes. Word can include or exclude these depending on settings.
What is the word count shortcut in Word?
On Windows, Ctrl+Shift+G opens the word count dialog. On Mac, click the word count in the status bar.
What is the word count shortcut key in Word?
Ctrl+Shift+G on Windows. There is no default keyboard shortcut on Mac; use the status bar or Review → Word count.
Related: how to check word count on google docs
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Last updated: 2026-08-28
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