How to Use Word Count

Often when writing essays, reports and articles for school or work, a certain number of words are required. Therefore, the word count function in Microsoft Word is vital. Microsoft Word allows a user to easily calculate the number of words in a document with a simple click of a button.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Drop Down Menu

1. 
    

   Identify the text you wish to count by selecting the entire text with your mouse.

2. 
    

   Select the "Tools" drop-down menu on the standard toolbar of MS Word and then click "Word Count."

3. 
    

   View the word count statistics for your document.

Word Count Menu Toolbar

4. 
    

   After following the steps above, click "Show Toolbar" in the Statistics results pallette. This will keep the Word Count Toolbar active for rechecking word count as needed.

5. 
    

   Activate Word Count Toolbar without previous steps, click "View," then "Toolbars" and select the "Word Count" toolbar.

6. 
    

   Click "Recount" as necessary to total your word count as you continue to type text.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft Word allows you to have the software program count your headers and footers as well.
• Click the option on the Statistics results palette if necessary and recount.