Utilorca
All tools

How to check the word count on a Mac

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In Pages, choose View › Show Word Count for a counter at the bottom of the page; click it to switch between words, characters and paragraphs. Microsoft Word for Mac shows the count in its status bar. Apple Notes and TextEdit have no word counter, so copy the text (Cmd+A, Cmd+C) and paste it into the box above.

Do it now, right here

0Words
0Characters

Character limits

Most used words

    Step by step

    1. Pages: View › Show Word Count.
    2. Notes or TextEdit: Cmd+A, Cmd+C, then paste into the box above.
    3. Word for Mac: look at the status bar or Tools › Word Count.

    At a glance

    AppWhere to find itNote
    PagesView › Show Word CountClick to switch counts
    Word for MacStatus bar, Tools › Word CountAlso characters
    Notes, TextEditNo counterPaste the text here

    Related questions

    Is there a keyboard shortcut in Pages?

    Not by default, but you can add one in System Settings › Keyboard › Keyboard Shortcuts › App Shortcuts.

    Does Pages count a selection?

    Yes, select text and the counter shows the selection.

    Is my text uploaded?

    No, the counter above works in your browser.

    More questions: word counter

    Open the full word counter →

    Updated November 14, 2026.