Introduction

In the world of digital documents, keeping tabs on word count is essential for writers, students, and professionals alike. Google Docs is a popular platform for collaborative writing and document creation, but how do you measure your progress? In this article, we’ll explore the simple and effective ways to check word count in Google Docs, enabling you to monitor your writing progress with ease.

Method 1: The Built-In Word Count Feature

Google Docs comes equipped with a built-in word count tool that’s user-friendly and quick to access. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Your Document: Start by opening your Google Docs document, which you want to evaluate.
2. Toolbar Menu: Look at the top menu bar of your document. There you’ll find an option labeled “Tools.” Click on it.
3. Select “Word Count”: From the “Tools” dropdown menu, choose “Word count.” This action will open a small word count window.
4. Word Count Window: In the “Word count” window, you’ll see the total word count of your document, as well as the number of pages and characters (with and without spaces).
5. Live Updates: The beauty of this built-in feature is that it updates in real-time as you make changes to your document. As you type or edit, you can instantly see the word count adjust.

This tool is ideal for a quick word count check, but for more advanced tracking and analysis, you might prefer Method 2.

Method 2: Comprehensive Word Count with “Easy Word Count” Add-On

Google Docs allows you to enhance its capabilities with add-ons. “Easy Word Count” is a valuable add-on for more detailed word count tracking. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Google Docs: Begin by opening your Google Docs document.
2. Access Add-Ons: In the top menu bar, click “Add-ons.”
3. Get Add-Ons: A dropdown menu will appear, so select “Get add-ons.”
4. Search for “Easy Word Count”: In the add-ons window, enter “Easy Word Count” into the search bar.
5. Install the Add-On: Once you find “Easy Word Count,” click the “Install” button. You will be asked to grant necessary permissions.
6. Open Easy Word Count: After installation, return to “Add-ons,” hover over “Easy Word Count,” and click “Open.”
7. Word Count Dashboard: A sidebar will appear on the right. Here, you’ll have access to comprehensive word count information, including word count, character count (with and without spaces), paragraph count, and page count.
8. Customize Your Tracking: You can also tailor your word count tracking to your specific needs, like counting or ignoring footnotes and headers.
9. Real-Time Updates: Just like the built-in word count tool, the Easy Word Count sidebar updates as you edit your document, eliminating the need for manual checks.
   

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Benefits of Using “Easy Word Count”

“Easy Word Count” offers several advantages:

• Detailed Tracking: It provides an in-depth view of your document’s statistics, aiding in effective writing and editing.
• Customization: You can adapt word count tracking to your unique requirements.
• Live Updates: The add-on offers real-time word count changes as you edit, streamlining your writing process.

Conclusion

Monitoring word count is an essential aspect of writing and document management. With Google Docs, you have two valuable tools at your disposal: the built-in word count feature and the “Easy Word Count” add-on. The built-in tool is perfect for quick checks, while the add-on provides more advanced tracking and customization. Choose the method that suits your writing needs, and start measuring your writing progress effortlessly in Google Docs.