Different tools define "word" slightly differently. This tool counts whitespace-separated tokens after filtering out punctuation-only tokens. Word and Google Docs use slightly different tokenisation rules — for example, they may handle hyphenated compounds or contractions differently. The differences are usually small (a few words in a typical essay), but they're real. If you have a specific submission limit, check which tool the requirement was measured with.
No. All counting happens in your browser using JavaScript. The text you enter is never sent anywhere — there is no server, no API call, and nothing is stored after you close the tab or clear the text area.
Characters with spaces is the total character count including every space, tab, and newline. Characters without spaces excludes all whitespace. Use "with spaces" for Twitter/X limits, SMS limits, and most platform character caps. Use "without spaces" for academic submission systems that specify it, or for keyword density calculations.
The estimate uses 230 words per minute — a commonly cited average for adult silent reading of general text. It's reliable as a rough guide for content planning. Dense technical text or academic prose is read more slowly (150–180 wpm is typical); simple listicle content is read faster (250–300 wpm). Treat the estimate as an order-of-magnitude guide, not a precise measurement.
Keyword density is the percentage of words in your text that match a specific keyword. There is no universally "correct" density level — the idea of an optimal 1–3% figure is a simplification that SEO practitioners have moved away from. What matters more is that the keyword appears naturally and in semantically relevant contexts. Use the density panel to spot overuse (above 4–5% for a single term usually reads as stuffed) or underuse if you're worried about it.
Yes, for any language that uses whitespace to separate words. The counter splits on whitespace and counts tokens regardless of language. Character counting works for any Unicode text including CJK characters. The stop word filter and keyword density analysis are tuned for English, so the density results will be less useful for other languages.
Yes. The text area accepts pasted content from any source and strips the formatting, leaving plain text. The word count is based on the plain text. HTML tags and formatting codes are not counted as words.