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Word counter

Counts words, characters and sentences, and shows whether the text clears the Task 1 and Task 2 minimums.

Everything is counted in your browser — the text is never sent anywhere.

This free counter shows words, characters and sentences and checks the length against the official IELTS minimums as you type: 150 words in Writing Task 1 and 250 in Task 2. The text is counted in your browser and never leaves it. No sign-up needed.

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IELTS length minimums

Writing Task 1 ≥ 150

short by: 150

Writing Task 2 ≥ 250

short by: 250

A shorter answer is penalised under Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2). There is no upper limit, but a long answer eats time and usually adds errors: 160–190 words in Task 1 and 260–290 in Task 2 is the working target.

The reading time appears once there is text in the box.

How it works

  1. 1Paste or type your text into the box.
  2. 2The counter updates words, characters and sentences on every keystroke.
  3. 3The Task 1 and Task 2 markers show whether you clear the minimum, and by how many words you are short.

Example

A 230-word Task 2 answer

230 words, 1,340 characters, 14 sentences

What it means

That is 20 words short of the Task 2 minimum, so Task Response loses marks before the content is even judged. The fastest way to close the gap is an example in a body paragraph: a concrete case covers the length and the «support your argument» requirement at once.

Frequently asked questions

How many words does IELTS Writing require?
At least 150 words in Task 1 and 250 in Task 2. That is a floor, not a target: a short answer loses marks automatically.
What happens if I write less?
The examiner marks you down under Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2). Good language elsewhere does not cancel the penalty.
And if I write far more?
There is no upper limit, but a long answer eats time and usually adds errors. 160–190 words in Task 1 and 260–290 in Task 2 is the working target.
Is my text sent anywhere?
No. The counting happens in your browser: the text never reaches a server and is never stored.

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