Free tool
IELTS word counter
Count your Task 1 or Task 2 answer the way the test does, time yourself, and see what to fix before you finish. Instant, and your text stays on your device.
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0 / 250 words
Paste or type your Task 2 answer to count it.
- Sentences
- 0
- Paragraphs
- 0
- Words per sentence
- 0
Want your band score?
An estimated band for all four criteria, with the sentences to fix marked. Free, about a minute.
IELTS word limits at a glance
| Minimum | Suggested time | Share of band | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 150 words | 20 minutes | One third |
| Task 2 | 250 words | 40 minutes | Two thirds |
Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 toward your Writing band, so give it the full 40 minutes.
What the quick checks look for
Beyond length, the counter checks the habits that can be spotted from the text alone: paragraphs you forgot to separate, a linking word at the start of every sentence, the same plain word used again and again, memorised phrases examiners skip over, and typing slips such as a lowercase “i”. None of these gives you a band on its own. For that, all four criteria have to be judged together, which is what the essay checker does.
Not sure how to start your essay? The essay planner walks you through it one paragraph at a time.
Questions
How are words counted in IELTS Writing?
Every word counts, including small words like “a” and “the”. On the computer-delivered test, the counter under your answer counts each group of characters between spaces as one word, so “don’t”, “25%” and “well-known” each count once. This counter works the same way.
What happens if my Task 2 essay is under 250 words?
You lose marks for Task Response, because a short answer usually cannot develop its ideas fully. Task 1 works the same way below 150 words, under Task Achievement. There is no penalty for writing more, but there is no extra credit either.
How long should my IELTS essay be?
Aim for roughly 260 to 300 words in Task 2 and 160 to 190 in Task 1. That keeps you safely over the minimum and leaves time to check your grammar, which is where most marks are lost.
Is my text stored or sent anywhere?
No. The counter and the quick checks run in your browser and your text stays on this device. It is only sent for marking if you choose “Get my band”.