How to Find the Word Count of a Document in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is a powerful tool used by many for creating documents, reports, and more. Knowing the word count of a document is essential for various reasons, such as meeting word count requirements, tracking progress, or estimating reading time. In this guide, we will explore the different methods to find the word count in Microsoft Word.
Method 1: Using the Word Count Feature
The most straightforward way to find the word count in Microsoft Word is by using the built-in Word Count feature. Follow these steps:
- Open your document in Microsoft Word.
- Click on the ‘Review’ tab in the top menu.
- Look for the ‘Proofing’ group and click on ‘Word Count’.
- A pop-up box will appear displaying the word count, character count, and other statistics.
Method 2: Using the Status Bar
Another quick way to check the word count is by using the Status Bar at the bottom of the Word window. Here’s how:
- Open your document in Microsoft Word.
- Look at the bottom left corner of the screen where the word count is displayed in the Status Bar.
- If you do not see the word count, right-click on the Status Bar and tick the ‘Word Count’ option.
Method 3: Customizing Word Count Settings
If you want more control over the word count display, you can customize the Word Count settings in Microsoft Word. To do this:
- Go to ‘File’ and select ‘Options’.
- Click on ‘Proofing’ in the Word Options window.
- Under ‘When correcting spelling and grammar in Word’, tick the box next to ‘Display word count while typing’.
- Click ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Method 4: Using Keyboard Shortcuts
For those who prefer using keyboard shortcuts, you can easily find the word count by pressing ‘Ctrl + Shift + G’. This will open the Word Count dialog box, showing the word count, character count, and more.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find the word count of a document in Microsoft Word is a valuable skill that can enhance your editing and formatting process. Whether you use the built-in Word Count feature, the Status Bar, or customize settings to display word count while typing, these methods will help you stay on top of your document’s word count. Start using these techniques today to improve your document creation experience in Microsoft Word.

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