How do I quickly check word count in Google Docs?

Tips
1

I’m writing an assignment in Google Docs and need to stay under a strict word limit, but I can’t figure out the fastest way to see the word count while I type. I’ve tried looking through the menus and right-click options, but I’m still not sure if there’s a shortcut or a way to keep the word count visible on screen. Can someone explain the simplest way to view word count in Google Docs, and if possible, how to show it all the time?

2

Fastest way:

  1. Keyboard shortcut
    On Windows/Chromebook: Ctrl + Shift + C
    On Mac: Command + Shift + C

    That pops up the Word count box.

  2. Show word count while typing
    After you open the Word count box, check “Display word count while typing”.
    Hit OK.
    Now you get a live word count in the bottom left of the doc.
    Click it to switch between words in doc, words in selection, pages, chars.

  3. For a section only
    Highlight the text.
    Then use Ctrl + Shift + C or Command + Shift + C.
    It shows “Selected” so you see only that part.

If the little counter annoys you, click it and uncheck the box. Or go to Tools then Word count and uncheck it there.

Most people forget the shortcut and keep hunting through menus. Once you use it a few times it sticks.

3

@sterrenkijker covered the shortcut stuff pretty well, so I’ll throw in a few “workflow” tricks instead of just more key combos.

If you really want to stay under a strict limit while typing, try this:

  • Split your browser window: docs on the left, a super bare-bones notes app on the right. Draft freely in Docs, then copy a paragraph at a time into the notes app and trim there. That way you’re not obsessively staring at the live counter every 3 seconds.
  • Use headings and short sections. It’s way easier to control word count if you think in chunks of, say, ~150 words per section. After each section, quick word count on just that part (yeah, same shortcut, but used strategically).
  • Turn on “Show word count while typing” only near the end. Personally I disagree with having it on from the start; it can make you write like you’re filling a quota instead of saying what you need. I usually draft messy, then toggle it on for the last 10–15 minutes and cut ruthlessly.
  • For really strict limits (like 500 exactly), aim 10–15% over on your first pass. Then use word count on selected paragraphs to see which chunks are “word-heavy” and cut from those, instead of randomly deleting sentences.

Kind of boring advice, but tbh the fastest way to stay under limit isn’t just knowing where the word count button is, it’s using it at the right time so you’re not in panic-edit mode at the end.