How To Find Word Count on Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Google Docs is a popular cloud-based word processing tool used by many individuals and businesses. It comes packed with features that allow users to create, edit and collaborate on documents seamlessly. One important feature is the word count tool, which helps users keep track of the number of words in their document. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to access the Google Docs word count tool, and explore different methods to find the word count on Google Docs.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, open your document on Google Docs. If you don’t have one, you can create a new document by clicking on the “New” button on the left-hand side of the page. Once you are in your document, follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Tools” menu.
2. Select “Word Count” from the drop-down menu.
3. A pop-up window will appear displaying the number of pages, words, characters (with and without spaces), and the number of paragraphs in your document.

Using the word count tool is that simple.

Video Tutorial

If you are a visual learner, Google has created a video tutorial on how to use the word count tool. The video explains how to access the feature, and how to monitor changes in the document word count in real-time. The tutorial is available on the Google Docs support website.

Visual learners can benefit greatly from this method of instruction as it shows various steps and can be paused, rewound, and replayed as needed.

Keyboard Shortcut

Another way to quickly access the word count feature on Google Docs is by using a keyboard shortcut. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open your document on Google Docs.
2. Place your cursor where you want to find the word count.
3. Press “Ctrl+Shift+C” or “Cmd+Shift+C” shortcut keys for Windows and Mac computers, respectively.
4. A pop-up window will appear displaying various statistics about your document, including the word count.

The keyboard shortcut provides a quick method of finding the word count and is ideal for users who frequently use the feature.

Mobile App

Google Docs also has a mobile app version, which can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store (for Android) and the App Store (for iOS devices). To find the word count using the mobile app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Docs app on your mobile device.
2. Select the document you want to find the word count for.
3. Tap on the three vertical dots on the top right-hand side of the page.
4. From the resulting menu, select “Word Count.”

The mobile app version is a convenient way to find the word count on the go, especially for smartphones users who want to monitor their document’s word count while they are out of the office.

Add-Ons

Add-ons are additional features and functionalities that can be installed on Google Docs to customize the tool’s functionalities according to individual preferences. To find and use add-ons for word count follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Add-ons” option in the toolbar.
2. Select “Get add-ons” from the drop-down menu.
3. In the resulting pop-up window, type “Word Count” in the search field to view the various add-on options available.
4. Select the add-on that best fits your needs and then click on the “Free” button to install it.
5. Once the add-on is installed, open your document and access the add-on from the “Add-ons” menu.

Add-ons provide an advanced method for finding the word count on Google Docs and are suitable for individuals who require more detailed analysis of their document’s statistics.

Use of Google Docs Search Bar

The Google Docs search bar can also be used to find the word count in a document. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open your document on Google Docs.
2. Click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of the page to open the search bar.
3. Type “word count” in the search bar and press enter.
4. Google Docs will highlight all the instances of the word count in the document and display the number of words in the document sidebar.

Using the search bar is a quick and efficient way of finding the word count in a document, especially for users who want to find other instances where the word count appears.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Docs provides several convenient ways to find the word count of your documents. Whether you prefer the traditional method through the Tools menu or more advanced methods such as add-ons or the Google Docs Search bar, Google Docs caters to various user preferences. We encourage users to try out the different methods to find what works for them best. Remember, keeping track of your document’s word count is an excellent way to monitor your progress and track the efficiency of your writing skills.