As a freelance writer, you know just how essential numbers truly are. A word count target is given by clients. Platforms have character restrictions. So, the content length for SEO must be right. The above-mentioned ones need to be done every time.
Writers often just rely on Google Docs or Microsoft Word to keep track of their word count. The various options are satisfactory. However, they do not reveal everything that you require. They do not provide information on how many characters, paragraphs, or read time your text has. Moreover, they will not assist in counting characters for meta descriptions or social media posts.
That’s where dedicated word counter tools come into play. Today, I will tell you about the 5 best free word counter tools every freelance writer needs to use. Moreover, these applications are easy, quick, and completely free.
What Should a Good Word Counter Tool Include?
Before proceeding to the list, I want you to know what to look for in a good tool. Not every word counter has the same value. Moreover, a simple tool merely counts words. So, a very useful tool – does much more!
What a professional grade wordcounter should show you.
- Overall counts of words.
- Count of characters with and without spaces.
- Number of sentences.
- Count of paragraphs.
- Read time.
- Number of keywords used.
When a tool shows all of this together, you make smarter decisions. You will stop hopping from app to app. Moreover, it’s all included in one pristine view. So, always keep this checklist in mind as we run through the list.
Tool 1: WordCounter.net
One of the most popular free word counter tools is currently available. And for good reason, it does almost anything a freelance writer requires.
You can get a word count and character count each time you paste your text into WordCounter.net. It also indicates your total sentences, total paragraphs, and reading level. The reading level function is particularly helpful. It indicates whether the content is difficult or easy to read. When you are writing for the Internet, you want a Grade 5 to Grade 7 reading level.
The keyword density section is a great feature. It displays to you which words are most prominently used. So, this prevents you from using too many of the same words.
Moreover, WordCounter.net displays your reading time. Thus, before you send any article out to your client, you can mention to them how long it will take to read it. So, the clients find such details lovely.
Freelance writers looking for a dependable word counter with additional functionalities, you’ll want this one to show at the top.
Tool 2: CharacterCountOnline.com
If you write lots of social media content, ad copy, and SEO meta tags, you’re in luck; this tool was built for you. CharacterCountOnline.com is designed specifically for character counting. For many writers working with harsh character limits across various platforms, this one is perfect.
The fast interface is clutter-free. Moreover, simply paste your text inside the text area and get your character count. In addition, you see line count, sentence count, and word count.
The most interesting thing about this tool is its unique limit checker that works according to the platform. So, you can set your own character limit, and the tool tells you if you’re over or under. It is great for creating Google Ads headlines, email subject lines, and Instagram bios.
When you want to count characters quickly and accurately, this character counter tool will do the job better than any other free tool.
This also helps you check meta descriptions. So, change the limit to 160 characters and write directly on the tool. You cease when you reach the limit. Tidy and uncomplicated.
Tool 3: WordCount.com
It is a simple word counter. Not a single ad. So, no adverts. Stay focused. You get a clean textbox and instant results.
As soon as you commence writing, WordCount.com provides your word count, character count, and sentence count. What makes this special is the live update feature. Moreover, you need not copy and click; the numbers will update back to live as you write.
For freelance writers who write directly in the tool, this real-time wordcounter is incredibly useful. As you write, you can set your target word count to watch it climb. Stop Coping and Pasting to Another Tool
Moreover, it contains a feature that allows you to check a piece’s word count, set a target, and see how far you are from the target. If the tracking is green, you are in range. Moreover, red indicates that you need to add or cut. This visual feedback can help you write more quickly.
WordCount.com is a perfect option if you’re looking for a clean writing environment without distractions and built-in text tracking.
Tool 4: WordsCounterTool.com
This tool is popularly used by SEO writers and content creators. You will understand why once you start using it.
WordsCounterTool counts more than just words. This will show your complete content analysis in one view. All of this information is accessible simultaneously on a single screen – your word count, character count, sentence count, and paragraph count. So, the paragraph counter tool comes in handy. This feature provides a count of paragraphs in your writing and identifies those that exceed the limit.
The Paragraph counter is a game-changer for the blog writers. Moreover, long sections can impair reading. Readers love short paragraphs. If your paragraph counter is sitting at 8, it’s time to break it up.
The tool indicates the time taken to read. It is useful when you write for content platforms that show read time at the top of the article. Knowledge of your read time helps you plan the length of your content to set reader expectations accordingly.
Multi-functional word counters like this one save freelancers plenty of precious time on a daily basis, thanks to everything being on one page. So, reduced tab switching leads to increased writing productivity.
Tool 5: EasyWordCount.com
Fast and mobile-friendly writers will find the last tool on the list very useful. EasyWordCount.com works great on desktop and phone. This tool is for you if you write while on the go.
In a flash, it displays your word count, character count, and read time. The interface is bare, and almost all users load fast, even on slow connections. Doesn’t need an account. Moreover, no registration is required. Simply open the app and start counting.
This application is free and has one of the best read time displays. It illustrates the time spent speaking and reading. If you write scripts, outlines for podcasts, or videos, this is ideal. You can see exactly how long it takes to speak your content versus read it.
EasyWordCount.com provides an effortless character count; just click the toggle. Seamlessly alternate between character count with and without spaces. This facilitates the process of tailoring to the precise specifications of any platform or client brief.
If you are a freelancer who gets things done fast and you need a lightweight words counter that you can perform anywhere, then this daily toolkit is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the free word counter tools reliable?
Certainly. The five instruments listed here are accurate. They count words, characters, and paragraphs using the software like pros. Feel free to use any of them.
What’s your favourite tool for SEO writing?
The keyword density, word count, and paragraph count checker at WordCounterTool.com is great for SEO. It provides you with comprehensive content analysis in one view.
Can I use these tools for writing on social media?
Of course! CharacterCountOnline.com is especially useful for social media. By allowing you to set platform-specific character limits, you never go over on Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
Q: Will my content get stored by these tools?
Most free tools do not store your content. Their functioning happens solely in the browser. I always write in a separate app first and paste into this tool just for counting and analysis.
How can I verify the reading time of a client deliverable?
You can insert the final content in any of the suites. They automatically calculate your reading time based on your average reading speed. This is clearly visible on WordCounter.net and EasyWordCount.com.
Final Thoughts
Which tools are freelance writers using to check word count regularly? Not only can you use the online word counter to meet word count requirements, but you can also use it to count characters. Furthermore, it can help you track paragraphs, monitor read time, and deliver an overall polished work each time.
Count characters for short-form content. Use word counters for blog articles and long forms. You should always check your paragraph count before delivering. Also, always verify your read time so that clients know what they are getting.
The tools listed here are free, quick to use, and made for serious writers. Add them to your bookmarks today. You should use them starting tomorrow. And your work quality will improve in no time at all.