This FAQ covers 3 common questions about counting scope, live display, and result differences, plus a glossary of key terms.
FAQ
Why does the word count change while I edit?
- Word Count shows the current live state of the document.
- When you add, delete, or revise content, the word and character totals update as well.
- If you need a final number, open Word Count again before submitting or exporting the file.
Why are character count and word count different?
- Word count and character count use different counting methods.
- Character count measures the characters in the document and can be shown with spaces or without spaces.
- Punctuation is usually included in character count, but it is not usually counted as a word.
How can I check the current word count faster while editing?
- Open the document and go to Tools > Review > Word Count.
- Turn on Show Word Count in Real-time.
- Return to the editing area and use the lower-left quick entry to check the current statistics more quickly.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Words | A text quantity measurement that generally combines Chinese characters and English words in the document statistics. |
| Characters (with spaces) | Counts all characters in the document and includes spaces in the result. |
| Characters (without spaces) | Counts all characters in the document but excludes spaces from the result. |
| Show Word Count in Real-time | Keeps a quick entry in the editing area so you can check statistics more easily while editing. |