How to Always Show Word Count in Google Docs
Writers often need to monitor word count, and Google Docs has made this easier. In late 2019, Google introduced a highly requested feature that allows you to see a live word count on-screen as you type, much like in Microsoft Word. Here’s how to enable it:
- While editing a document, click “Tools” in the menu bar and select “Word count.”
- In the pop-up window displaying word count statistics, check the box labeled “Display word count while typing.”
Once enabled, a live word count will appear in the lower-left corner of your document, updating automatically as you type. This feature is invaluable for staying on target with word limits, offering real-time tracking without interruptions.
Previously, you had to check the word count manually by selecting Tools > Word Count each time. While this method remains available, the Word Count menu still provides additional details like the number of pages and characters in the document, making it useful for more comprehensive analysis.