Google Doc Word Count Shortcut: A Quick Guide

When working on a document, knowing your word count is crucial, especially for writers, students, and professionals who must adhere to specific word limits. Fortunately, Google Docs offers a simple shortcut to access the word count quickly. This guide will walk you through the steps to use the word count shortcut effectively.

How to Use the Google Doc Word Count Shortcut

Follow these easy steps to check the word count in your Google Docs documents:

Step 1: Open Your Google Doc

Begin by launching your Google Docs document. Ensure that you are logged into your Google account and have your document open where you want to check the word count.

Step 2: Use the Shortcut

The quickest way to access the word count is by using a keyboard shortcut. On your keyboard, press Ctrl + Shift + C (for Windows) or Command + Shift + C (for Mac). This will bring up the word count dialog box immediately.

Step 3: View Your Word Count

Upon pressing the shortcut, a pop-up window will appear displaying various statistics about your document. Here, you will find the total word count, character count (with and without spaces), and the number of pages. This information is essential for understanding the scope of your writing.

Step 4: Select Specific Text (Optional)

If you wish to check the word count of a specific section of text rather than the entire document, simply highlight the desired text first. Then, press Ctrl + Shift + C (Windows) or Command + Shift + C (Mac). The word count for the selected text will be displayed in the same dialog box.

Step 5: Close the Word Count Window

After you’ve noted the word count, click "OK" or the "X" in the corner of the pop-up window to close it and return to your document.

Bonus Tip: Enable Word Count Display

If you want to keep the word count visible while you work, consider enabling the word count display option. Go to Tools in the menu bar, select Word Count, and check the box that says "Display word count while typing." This will show the word count at the bottom left corner of your document.

FAQ

Q1: What is the word count shortcut for Google Docs?
A1: The word count shortcut is Ctrl + Shift + C for Windows and Command + Shift + C for Mac.

Q2: Can I check the word count for specific sections of text?
A2: Yes, simply highlight the text you want to check and use the same shortcut. The word count for the selected text will be displayed.

Q3: How do I display the word count while typing?
A3: Go to Tools > Word Count and check the box that says "Display word count while typing."

Q4: Will the word count update automatically?
A4: Yes, the word count updates automatically as you add or remove text in your document.

Q5: Can I see other statistics besides the word count?
A5: Yes, the word count dialog box also shows the character count (with and without spaces) and the number of pages.