If you’re working on a document and need to keep track of your total words, Microsoft Word offers several built-in tools to help you do exactly that. From the status bar at the bottom to quick keyboard combinations, there are multiple ways to check how much you’ve written — whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu. Let’s walk through them step-by-step on how to Word Count in Microsoft Word.
Why You Should Keep an Eye on Word Totals
Writers often need to follow strict guidelines — especially for school assignments, business reports, or online content. Keeping within a required limit or reaching a minimum can make or break your work. Knowing how to easily access this data lets you stay on track without interrupting your writing flow. 📘
Find Your Word Total on Windows
Here are the most common ways to get the data you need if you’re using Microsoft’s operating system.
Use the Status Bar
Look at the bottom-left corner of the application window. You’ll see a count like “Words: 765.” Clicking it opens a popup with more details — including character and paragraph totals.
Via the Ribbon
Head over to the Review tab and select Word Count. A dialog box will appear with all your writing stats.
Quick Shortcut for Windows
Use this keyboard combo to access the count instantly:
Ctrl + Shift + G
🖱️ It’s the fastest way to bring up the detailed window without clicking through tabs.
Check It on macOS 🍎
Using Apple’s operating system? No worries — the process is very similar.
Bottom Status Bar
Just like on Windows, you can view your stats at the lower part of the screen.
Top Menu Access
Click on Tools in the top bar and select Word Count… to open the stats box.
Mac Shortcut
Here’s the equivalent combo for Apple users:
Command + Shift + G
💡 Works across most recent Word versions on macOS.
For Ubuntu and Linux Users 🐧
Since Word isn’t natively available on Linux, you can either use Word Online or open documents with LibreOffice Writer, a popular open-source alternative.
Using Word in the Browser
- Open the document in Word Online.
- Click on the Review tab.
- Select Word Count to see the popup box.
LibreOffice Users
If you’re using LibreOffice instead, here’s how:
- Open your text file.
- Go to
Tools > Word Count…. - Get instant stats in a separate window.
Ubuntu Shortcut in LibreOffice
Ctrl + Shift + C
🔍 Simple and effective for fast access to statistics.
Only Need the Word Total of a Specific Section?
Highlight the text you want to evaluate, and Word will display the word amount for the selected portion in the bottom bar. This is perfect if you’re working on summaries, captions, or bios with specific length requirements. ✂️
Add Count Info Inside Your Document
If you want your total count to appear in the actual content (great for formal documents or logs), here’s how:
- Go to
Insert>Quick Parts>Field. - Choose “NumWords”.
- Press OK, and the total will appear in the document.
📝 It will even update automatically as you continue writing!
Details Beyond the Count
Opening the full stats popup also shows:
- Character totals (with and without spaces)
- Paragraph count
- Page and line stats
📊 This is useful for formatting or meeting submission standards.
Troubleshooting Tips 🔧
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No word data showing | Right-click the status bar and enable “Word Count” |
| Number doesn’t update | Save the file or restart the app |
| Footnotes not counted | Check the option in the Word Count window |
| Online version glitchy | Try refreshing or switching browsers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I limit the count to selected text only?
Yes. Just highlight the text, and you’ll see an updated number in the status bar.
Does Word include footnotes and headers by default?
No, but there’s an option in the Word Count window to include them manually.
Is there a way to set a writing goal?
Microsoft Word doesn’t offer built-in goal tracking, but third-party add-ons like Grammarly or Scrivener do.
How can I track characters too?
Use the same method — the Word Count popup includes both with and without spaces.
Is the feature available in Word mobile app?
Yes! Go to the Review section in the mobile toolbar to view totals.
Can I copy the stats somewhere else?
Yes. Simply click and copy the values from the stats popup and paste them into your notes or document.
Final Thoughts – Track Your Progress Confidently ✅
Whether you’re composing a short paragraph or writing a 10-page report, knowing how to find your writing stats inside Microsoft Word is essential. From shortcut keys to one-click access through the ribbon or status bar, there’s a method for everyone — no matter your device or OS. 🚀
So next time you’re writing, don’t guess — check your total with ease and stay focused on what matters: great content.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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