How to Quickly Check Word Count on Microsoft Word

How to Quickly Check Word Count on Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a software that has many features to make writing easy. One feature that can help you stay on track is checking the word count in MS Word.

Microsoft Word software makes it easy to create documents. (Image source: Envato Elements)

In this article, we’ll look at how to check your word count on Microsoft Word. And we'll go over some Microsoft Word tips and tricks that you can use. Also, this article looks at some premium templates and how they can save you time.

How to Find Word Count on Microsoft Word

There are multiple ways to check the word count in Word.

I am using Microsoft Word version 16.63 on macOS. In this tutorial I'll be using the Resume Word template from Envato Elements.

The premium Microsoft Word template used in this tutorial is from Envato Elements.

Let’s look at some of the ways to check the word count in Word:

1. Status Bar

You can check your word count on Microsoft Word in the status bar.

Viewing the word count in the status bar is simple. At the bottom left of your Microsoft Word window is a status bar where you’ll see the word count.

For example, if you've selected a paragraph of your text, it shows how many words out of the total you’ve selected.

If you don't see the word count in the status bar, you'll need to turn it on.

If the word count isn’t appearing, it may be turned off. To turn it on, right-click the Status Bar at the bottom of your window. Another menu appears. Make sure there's a checkmark next to the Word Count option.

2. Ribbon

You can view the word count by clicking on the Word Count button in the ribbon.

The second way to find the word count in Word is using the Ribbon. In the ribbon above the toolbar, click the Review tab. You’ll see a Word Count button in the toolbar on the left. When you click this button, a window with your word count appears.

3. Keyboard Shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts can help you complete tasks in Word quicker.

If you like keyboard shortcuts, then you'll want to know the keyboard shortcut on how to find word count on Microsoft Word. The keyboard shortcut for Word is pressing Control +Shift+ G. This keyboard shortcut causes the Word Count box to appear.

4. Document Statistics

You can view your document statistics in the Editor panel.

This last way shows you more than the word count in Word. The document statistics show the word, character, line paragraph, and page count.

First, click the Review tab in the ribbon. Second, click the Editor button in the toolbar. It’s the first button in the toolbar. When you click the Editor button, a side panel appears. Scroll down the panel to the Insights section. In this section, you’ll see the Document Stats button. Click on it.

When you click the Document Statistics button, a window appears.

When you click the Document Stats button, a window appears saying it'll take some time to calculate the statistics. Click the blue OK button.

Click OK when you're done viewing your statistics.

When you click the OK button, a new window appears with readability statistics.

10 Microsoft Word Tips

Now that you know how to check how many words are in a Microsoft Word document, you may want to learn more about Word.

If you use Microsoft word often, it can be helpful to know some tips and tricks to save time. Here's a helpful article for even more Microsoft Word tips and tricks. Here are ten fast tips to use in Microsoft Word:

1. Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to get something done quickly. Here’s a list of some keyboard shortcuts:

• Command + Right Arrow to go right one word at a time.
• Command + Left Arrow to go left one word at a time.
• Command + Backspace to delete a whole word at a time.
• Command + SHIFT + Right Arrow highlights one word at a time
• Command + UP Arrow to move the cursor up one paragraph at a time.
• Command + Down Arrow to move the cursor down one paragraph at a time

2. Dictionary Feature

The dictionary feature in Word can be helpful when reading or writing a document.

If you don’t know what a word means, look up the meaning of the word without leaving the software.

First, highlight the word you want to look up next right, and click the highlighted word. Then, when a menu opens, click the Smart Lookup… option. A panel appears on the side of your window with the word's definition.

3. Check Your Grammar

Checking grammar is important when writing.

If others are reading your work, you don’t want grammar or spelling mistakes. Word makes it easy to check your grammar and spelling. First, click the Review tab. Next, click the Spelling and Grammar button on the toolbar's left.

Check your grammar by clicking on the Spelling and Grammar button.

When you click on this button, a side panel appears where you can view your spelling and grammar errors.

4. Autosave Your Work

Autosaving your work can be helpful when an accident happens.

Accidents happen. Your laptop can die, or your power goes out. You don’t want to work on what you’ve worked on so far. All that time and energy would go to waste.

Instead, set up Word to autosave your work. First, click Word at the top of your screen. When you click on this, a menu appears. From this menu, click the Preferences… option.

A Preferences window appears.

When you click Preferences… a window appears. Next, click the Save button in the Output & Sharing section.

To use the autosave feature, you need to turn it on.

Next, make sure there's a blue arrow next to the Save AutoRecover info. If there isn’t a blue arrow, click the box next to it. Underneath the Save AutoRecover info, there are two fields:

1. Save every:
2. Save Word files as: 

In the Save every: field, choose how often you want your file to save. The Save Word files is where you can choose what you want to save your document as.

5. Use Comments

Comments are a helpful feature to use when you're editing your document.

If you want to edit your work or have someone else edit it, it can be helpful to know how to use the Comments feature. To turn on the comments feature, click the Review tab in the ribbon. Then, in the toolbar, there's a New Comment button. Click on it to make a new comment.

To track comments, use the Track Changes feature.

If you want to do more than comment, use the Track Changes button. When you click this button, any changes to the document appear in red.

You can accept or reject comments. This is a helpful feature if someone else is editing your document.

To accept changes or reject the changes, click Accept and Reject button.

6. Replace Text

The replace feature in Microsoft Word lets you make multiple edits easily.

Microsoft Word has a find and replace feature where you can easily make multiple edits. Start by clicking Edit at the top of your screen. From the menu that appears, click the Find option. When you click Find, a menu appears. Click the Replace… option from this menu.

From the sidebar that appears you can use the Replace feature.

When you click Replace… a side panel appears. Put a word in the top bar under the Find and Replace section. Next, put the word to replace it in the second bar of the Find and Replace section. Depending on your needs, click Replace All or Replace.

7. Check Readability

Checking the readability of your writing is helpful if you're writing for an audience with many age groups.

Knowing the readability of your document can be helpful if you’re writing something that'll have a large audience. Microsoft Word makes it easy to check the readability of your document.

First, click the Home tab. Next, click the Editor button in the toolbar. A side panel appears. Next, under the Insights sections, click the Document stats button.

You can check the readability of your document in the window that appears.

When you click on this button, a window appears. At the bottom of this window, you’ll see the readability score.

8. Protect the Document

If you don't want others to see your document or it contains sensitive information, you can password protect it.

If you've got a document you don’t want others to see, password protect it. First, open the document that you want to password protect. Next, click the Tools option at the top of your screen. A menu appears. Click the Protect Document… option.

Turn on the password protect feature in the Password Protect window.

When you select that option from the menu, a Password Protect window appears. In this window, you can create your password. Once you’ve added a password, click  the blue OK button at the bottom of the window.

9. Insert Dropped Capitals

Adding dropped capitals to your writing can add some style to it.

If you want to add a flair to your writing, try adding dropped capitals to your document.

Start by highlighting the word that you want to have a dropped capital. Next, click the Insert tab. In the toolbar, there's a Drop Cap button. Choose the style of the drop cap you want, and now you've got a drop cap.

10. Insert Hyperlinks

If you're sending your document through email, it can be helpful to have hyperlinks in your document.

If you're sending your document through email, it can be helpful to have hyperlinks in your document. There are two methods to use to add hyperlinks to your document:

Method 1. Hyperlinks

First, you start by highlighting the word to which you want to add a hyperlink. Next, right-click on the highlighted word. A menu appears. Click the Hyperlink… option.

When you click on this, an Insert Hyperlink box appears. Add your link to the box.

When you click on this, an Insert Hyperlink box appears. Then, in the Address: field, add the link. Finally, press the grey OK button at the bottom of the Insert Hyperlink box to save the hyperlink.

The second method of adding a hyperlink you start by clicking on the Insert tab.

Method 2. Hyperlinks

The second method of adding a hyperlink you start by clicking on the Insert tab. Next in the toolbar, click the Links button.

When you click on this button, the Insert Hyperlink window appears.

When you click on this button, the Insert Hyperlink window appears. In the window, add your link to the Address: field. Once you’ve added your link to the address field, click the OK button to save it.

Five Top Microsoft Word Templates from Envato Elements

If you've been wondering how to do a word count on Microsoft Word, you probably use Word documents often. You could benefit by using Word templates.

Envato Elements has thousands of Microsoft Word templates. Here are some popular Microsoft Word templates:

1. Resume Microsoft Word

This Microsoft Word resume has a creative and modern design. This template includes a matching cover letter template and a matching portfolio page to showcase your work. In addition, the resume features an employment history timeline and a skills section.

2. Letterhead for Microsoft Word

This letterhead for Microsoft Word has a stylish and professional design that won’t distract the reader. There are three color schemes to choose from. The Letterhead for Microsoft Word template has a logo that comes with it or insert your logo. Everything in the template can be edited to suit your needs.

3. Invoices Microsoft Word Template

The Invoices Microsoft Word Template has a professional and clean design. This template is fully customizable and comes with three different color schemes. This invoice has a terms and conditions section if you’re looking for a template with one. There's also room for a signature, contact information, and your logo.

4. Flyer MS Word & InDesign

This flyer has a minimalist design with a pop of color that looks professional. Use this template for any topic that you want. Plus, you can edit this template in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word.

5. Marketing Plan MS Word & InDesign

The Marketing Plan MS Word & InDesign has 32 pages to which you can add your information. This template comes with picture placeholders that make adding an image of your choice easy. Also, in this template are charts and graphs to use for any data you have.

Best Source for Microsoft Word Templates (With Unlimited Use)

Envato Elements is the best source for premium Microsoft Word templates. Envato Elements has more than premium Microsoft Word templates. They've images, audio, fonts, etc. To get access, you must pay a low monthly fee and become a subscriber. Once you become a subscriber, you’ll get unlimited access to digital elements.

It can take a long time to create a presentable document from scratch. But using a template saves time because all you need to do is add your information. If you like to customize, then don’t worry. Most premium templates are easily editable.

Professionals create every template to look stylish and impressive. You’ll stand out among peers who made their own or used a free template. So, start impressing people who see your work and sign up for Envato Elements today!

Use a Premium Microsoft Word Template for Your Next Word Project!

Now you know how to check the word count on Microsoft Word.

Plus, you've learned other helpful Word tips and tricks. Try using them in your next project.

Don’t forget to save time and create a great-looking document by using a premium Envato Elements template.