How to See Google Docs Word Count: A Comprehensive Guide for Millennials

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Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to see Google Docs word count. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply someone who loves to write, keeping track of your word count is essential. In this guide, we'll walk you through various methods to check your word count in Google Docs on different devices, including computers, iPads, iPhones, and Android devices. Let's dive in!

Why is Word Count Important?

Before we explore how to see the word count in Google Docs, let's understand why it's important. Word count is crucial in various educational and professional settings:

Academic Essays: Professors often assign word count requirements for essays and papers. Meeting these requirements is essential to avoid grade deductions.
Writing Projects: Whether you're working on a novel, a research paper, or a blog post, tracking your word count helps you stay on target and meet your goals.
Professional Documents: Reports, proposals, and other business documents often have word count limitations. Adhering to these limits shows professionalism and concise writing skills.

Methods to See Google Docs Word Count

Now, let's explore different methods to check your word count in Google Docs:

1. Display the Word Count as You Type

Google Docs offers a handy feature that displays the word count as you type. Instead of manually checking the word count each time, you can enable this feature to see the count in real-time. Here's how to do it:

Open your Google Docs document.
Click on 'Tools' in the menu bar.
Select 'Word count' from the drop-down menu.
A small 'Word count' box will appear in the bottom left corner of your document. This box shows the total number of words in your document as you type.

2. Use the Word Count Shortcut

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts, Google Docs has one for checking the word count:

Open your Google Docs document.
Press the 'Ctrl' and 'Shift' keys together.
While holding these keys, press the 'C' key.
A small 'Word count' box will appear, displaying the total number of words in your document.

3. Check Word Count Using the Toolbar

You can also access the word count feature through the toolbar:

Open your Google Docs document.
Click on 'Tools' in the menu bar.
Select 'Word count' from the drop-down menu.
The 'Word count' box will appear, showing the total number of words in your document.

4. Use a Browser Extension

If you're looking for additional features and customization options, you can use browser extensions to check your word count:

Open your web browser and go to the extension store (Chrome Web Store for Google Chrome, Firefox Add-ons for Mozilla Firefox, etc.).
Search for 'Google Docs word count' extensions.
Choose an extension that suits your needs and click on 'Add to [Browser Name]' to install it.
Once installed, the extension will add a word count feature to your Google Docs toolbar or provide a separate window for counting words.

Conclusion

Tracking your word count in Google Docs is crucial for various educational and professional purposes. Whether you prefer using built-in features or browser extensions, there are multiple methods available to check your word count. By following our comprehensive guide, you'll never have to worry about exceeding or falling short of your word count requirements. Happy writing!