Utilorca
All tools

How to Count Characters in Google Docs

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): Open the Word Count tool in Google Docs by clicking Tools > Word count, or pressing Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac). The pop-up shows characters with and without spaces for the whole document or selected text. You can also paste your text into the free tool on this page to check social media and SMS limits.

Do it now, right here

0Characters
0Words

Character limits

Most used words

    Step by step

    1. Open your document in Google Docs.
    2. Click Tools in the top menu and select Word count, or press Ctrl+Shift+C (Cmd+Shift+C on Mac).
    3. Check the numbers for Characters and Characters excluding spaces.
    4. Optional: Check 'Display word count while typing' to keep a live counter in the bottom-left corner.

    At a glance

    ActionWindows / ChromeOSMac
    Open Word countCtrl + Shift + CCmd + Shift + C
    Count selected textHighlight text, then Ctrl + Shift + CHighlight text, then Cmd + Shift + C
    Keep live counter on screenTools > Word count > Display word count while typingTools > Word count > Display word count while typing

    Where to find it on your device

    Related questions

    Can I see character count for just one paragraph in Google Docs?

    Yes. Highlight the text you want to measure first, then open Tools > Word count to see the count for that selection.

    Does Google Docs show characters without spaces?

    Yes. The Word count dialog displays both total characters and characters excluding spaces.

    How do I keep the character count visible while typing?

    In the Word count dialog, check 'Display word count while typing' and click OK. You can click the bottom-left box to switch between words and characters.

    More questions: character counter

    Open the full character counter →

    Updated November 14, 2026.