How to Count Words in a PDF Online for Free
Counting words in a PDF file can be difficult because PDFs are not directly editable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to count words in a PDF online for free using simple and accurate methods.
Why Is Word Count in PDF Important?
Students, writers, and professionals often need to check word count in PDF files for assignments, reports, and publishing requirements. Whether you're submitting a thesis, a legal document, or a manuscript, knowing the exact word count ensures you meet specific guidelines.
How to Count Words in a PDF Online (Free)
- Open your PDF file in any PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat, Preview, or a browser).
- Copy the text from the PDF. Use Ctrl+A (Windows) or Cmd+A (Mac) to select all, then copy.
- Paste the text into the Writely Word Counter – it’s free, fast, and private.
- View instant results: total words, characters, sentences, paragraphs, and keyword density.
Paste your PDF text into our free word counter and get instant results — no signup required.
Best Free Tool to Count Words in PDF
Writely is a free and privacy-friendly word counter that works directly in your browser. No sign-up, no data storage. Unlike other tools, Writely also provides advanced metrics like reading time, unique word count, and keyword density – perfect for SEO specialists and writers.
Tips for Accurate PDF Word Counting
- If your PDF contains columns or complex layouts, copy text carefully to avoid missing parts.
- For scanned PDFs, you’ll need OCR software (like Google Drive or Adobe Acrobat) to extract text first.
- After pasting into Writely, check for extra spaces or line breaks – use our Remove Extra Spaces tool if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I count words in a scanned PDF?
Scanned PDFs are essentially images. You must use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software to extract the text. Once the text is extracted, you can paste it into Writely to count words. Google Drive offers free OCR for uploaded PDFs.
Is this PDF word counter really free?
Yes. Writely is completely free and does not require registration. There are no hidden limits or watermarks – you can count words in as many PDFs as you like.
Does Writely store my PDF text?
No. All processing happens locally in your browser. Your text never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy. Once you close the page, everything is gone.
What if my PDF has multiple columns?
Some PDFs with multiple columns may copy text in a jumbled order. You may need to clean the text manually or use a PDF converter before pasting into Writely. Our Remove Extra Spaces tool can help fix formatting issues.