How word counting works
Unicode letters and numbers count as words. Internal apostrophes and hyphens remain part of a word, while punctuation and emoji alone do not count. Other editors and platforms may use different rules, so their totals can differ.
Characters and whitespace
The character total uses user-perceived characters where browser support allows, rather than simply counting the UTF-16 units used internally by JavaScript. The count without whitespace removes spaces, tabs and line breaks.
Sentences, paragraphs and lines
Sentence, paragraph and line totals help you check the structure of drafts, captions and form entries. A paragraph is a block of text separated by a blank line, while line count follows the line breaks in your text.
Time estimates and targets
Reading time uses 225 words per minute and speaking time uses 130 words per minute. Both are estimates. You can also set an optional word target or character limit and track your progress while you type.
Word frequency
The frequency table normalises case and shows the top meaningful words. It excludes a small list of common English words by default, or you can include them. Percentages always use the complete word count, including words hidden by the filter.
Your text stays private
Your text is analysed in your browser and is not uploaded to UtiliBits. It is not placed in the page URL, structured data, analytics or logs.
Frequently asked questions
How are words counted?
Unicode letters and numbers count as words. Internal apostrophes and hyphens stay within a word, while punctuation and emoji alone do not count as words.
Does punctuation count as a word?
No. Punctuation alone does not count as a word. An apostrophe or hyphen inside a word remains part of that word.
How are characters counted?
The counter uses user-perceived characters where browser support allows, rather than simply counting the UTF-16 units used internally by JavaScript.
What does "characters without whitespace" mean?
It is the character count after spaces, tabs and line breaks have been excluded.
How is reading time calculated?
Reading time is an estimate based on 225 words per minute. Your actual reading time will vary with the text and reader.
How is speaking time calculated?
Speaking time is an estimate based on 130 words per minute. Delivery speed, pauses and emphasis will affect the actual time.
How does word frequency work?
Words are compared without regard to case. The table shows the top meaningful words and excludes common English words by default. You can include them, and each percentage still uses the complete word count.
Is my text uploaded or stored?
No. Your text is analysed in your browser and is not uploaded to UtiliBits or added to the page URL.