How to Check Word Count in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you check the word count in Google Docs?
Press Ctrl + Shift + C (⌘ + Shift + C on Mac), or click Tools › Word count. It shows pages, words and characters; select some text first to count just that part. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then R W.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Review › Word Count. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcut
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Word count | Ctrl+Shift+C | ⌘+Shift+C |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Menus
- Click Tools › Word count.
- To keep a live count on screen, check Display word count while typing, then click OK.
- Otherwise, click Done to close the box.
Unless you select some text, the count leaves out headers, footers and footnotes.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select text if you only want to count part of the document.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press R, then W. ShortieCuts runs “Word Count”.
When the ALT route helps: Word Count is Alt, R, W on Word's Review tab. With ShortieCuts it opens Google's word count box.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HL1 | HeadingsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt NH | Header & FooterBuilt-in: hold Ctrl + Alt and press O then H |
| Alt H4 | StrikethroughBuilt-in: Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Alt HKD | Line Spacing |
| Alt GPW | Watermark |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to check the word count in Google Docs?
Word count: Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + C on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + R + W work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + R + W there won't check the word count. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then R, then W, and ShortieCuts runs its "Word Count" command.
How do I check the word count in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + C (Word count). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then R, then W.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.