How to Find Word Count in MS Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to easily find and track word count in MS Word for your documents with this concise guide.

Published Mar 8, 2025

Overview

In this video, we explore a common question among MS Word users: 'Where is the word count shown in MS Word?' Understanding how to find word count is essential for writers, editors, and anyone involved in document creation, as it helps in tracking writing progress and meeting word limits. This quick guide not only addresses the location of the word count but also highlights additional statistics available in MS Word, enhancing your document management capabilities.

Video transcript

To view the word count in MS Word, simply look at the status bar at the bottom of the window. This bar displays the total word count of your document. For detailed statistics, click on the word count number or go to the ‘Review’ tab and select ‘Word Count’ from the toolbar. This opens a dialog box showing more information like the number of pages, characters, paragraphs, and lines, providing a comprehensive overview of your document's size. Use this feature to keep track of your writing progress easily.

Questions and answers

How can I see the word count in Microsoft Word?
To view the word count in Microsoft Word, check the status bar at the bottom of the window where the total word count is displayed. For more detailed information, click on the word count itself or access the 'Review' tab and select 'Word Count.'
What detailed statistics can I find in the Word Count dialog in MS Word?
The Word Count dialog in Microsoft Word provides detailed statistics including the number of pages, characters, paragraphs, and lines, offering a comprehensive overview of your document's size.
How do I keep track of my writing progress in Word?
Use the word count feature in Microsoft Word to keep track of your writing progress. Check the status bar for real-time updates or open the Word Count dialog for detailed statistics.
Can I customize the information shown in the status bar in MS Word?
Yes, you can customize the information displayed in the status bar of Microsoft Word. Right-click the status bar to select or deselect the items you want to show, including word count and other statistics.