Why counts matter
Almost everything you write has a limit attached, stated or not. Essays and dissertations have word counts with penalties for busting them. Application forms cut you off mid-sentence. Search results truncate your carefully written description. Knowing your numbers before you hit submit saves the scramble afterwards.
Everything on this page is counted in your browser. Your text is never uploaded, stored or seen by anyone.
Limits worth knowing
- UCAS personal statement: 4,000 characters including spaces, or 47 lines.
- X (Twitter): 280 characters on a standard account.
- Instagram caption: 2,200 characters.
- LinkedIn post: 3,000 characters.
- Meta description (search snippet): roughly 155 characters before truncation.
- Text message (single SMS): 160 characters.
How the counting works
Words are runs of characters separated by whitespace, the same rule Word and Google Docs use, so the numbers should match what your tutor or editor sees. Sentences are split on full stops, question marks and exclamation marks. Paragraphs are blocks of text separated by line breaks.
Reading time assumes 225 words per minute, a typical adult silent-reading pace. If you are timing a speech, use 130 words per minute instead: a 5-minute talk is roughly 650 words.
Frequently asked questions
How are words counted?
Any run of characters separated by spaces, tabs or line breaks counts as one word, which is the same rule word processors use. Hyphenated words like mother-in-law count as one word; numbers and email addresses count as words too.
Is my text stored or uploaded anywhere?
No. The counting happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing you type or paste ever leaves your device, and refreshing the page clears it.
How long is a UCAS personal statement allowed to be?
The UCAS limit is 4,000 characters including spaces (or 47 lines, whichever comes first). Character count with spaces is the number to watch, which this tool shows live.
What are the character limits on social media?
X (Twitter) allows 280 characters for standard accounts, Instagram captions allow 2,200, LinkedIn posts allow 3,000, and Facebook posts allow more than 60,000. Meta descriptions for search results are best kept to about 155 characters.
How is reading time worked out?
The tool divides your word count by 225 words per minute, an average adult silent-reading speed. For reading aloud, such as a speech or presentation, budget around 130 words per minute instead.