Your essay is never uploaded, so there is no risk of it ending up in someone else's database. The draft autosaves in your browser while you work.
How TallyWords counts
Words are runs of letters or numbers; contractions and hyphenated words count once. Characters are counted as you see them, so an emoji or an accented letter is one character. Sentences end at a full stop, question mark, exclamation mark or ellipsis, and paragraphs are separated by blank lines.
Readability uses the Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Gunning Fog formulas. Reading time assumes 238 words per minute and speaking time 150 words per minute. Platform meters use each network's own counting rules where they differ from a plain character count.
Private by design
TallyWords has no server-side processing. Your text stays in this browser tab and in an autosave on this device only. Clear it at any time with the Clear button.
Frequently asked questions
How many pages is 1,000 words?
About two pages single-spaced or four pages double-spaced in a 12-point font with standard margins.
Do titles and references count toward the word limit?
It depends on your instructor. Many exclude the title page, reference list and footnotes; paste only the body text to match that rule.
What reading level should an essay have?
For general audiences a Flesch-Kincaid grade of 8 to 12 reads well. Academic essays often score higher, but clarity is still rewarded.
Does TallyWords work offline?
Once the page has loaded, all counting and cleanup works without a connection, because nothing depends on a server.
Is TallyWords free?
Yes. Every tool is free with no sign-up and no limits on text length.