How to show a character count in Pages

You might be using Apple Pages to write your resume, article, essay, reports, or anything per se. But, you’re stuck on how to access the character count, word count, or paragraphs.

In this short guide, I’ll explain how you can enable the character count feature in Pages. Whether you’re using it on your iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or iMac, this guide covers it all.

Plus, a sneak peeks at more useful Apple Pages features at the end. Let’s get into it.

How to Show Character Counts in Apple Pages — iPhone & iPad

Here’s how you can easily display word count, character count, and paragraphs on your iPhone or iPad step by step:

Step 1: Open the Pages app. Then either create a new document or tap on any existing one.

apple pages character count

Step 2: On the top right corner, you’ll see three dots. Tap on it. Then enable the Word Count toggle. Tap Done. (For iPad, there will be a Square Icon instead of three dots)

apple pages character count

Step 3: Now, within the document, you’ll see a small words box at the bottom of your page.

apple pages character count

To show characters, simply click on the ‘words’ box. You’ll be able to see characters — with or without spaces — plus, the number of paragraphs.

apple pages character count

Now, since the ‘words’ box is checked, you’ll only see ‘words’ within the document. If you want to see characters instead of words, simply check characters. And you’ll see something like this:

apple pages character count

You can also select the text, and see the word count or character count of the specific section or paragraph.

Fun tip: You can drag, and place that box anywhere on the page.

If you no longer want to see it, simply go back to the menu and disable the word count toggle.

How to Show Character Count in Apple Pages — iMac or MacBook.

It’s almost the same as you’d do on an iPhone or iPad, with a few variations. Here are two ways:

A) – Shortcut

While you’re in the document, press Command + Shift + W to see the word count instantly.

B) Another method

Step 1: From the top bar menu, click on View

Step 2: Move your cursor to Show Word Count, and click on it.

apple pages character count

Step 3: Just like on iPhone, you’ll see a box at the bottom of the page, showing the total word count. Click on it to see characters and paragraphs.

apple pages character count
apple pages character count

If you no longer want to see these details, simply press Command + Shift + W. Or, click on the View at the top bar menu. Then move your cursor to Hide Word Count, and click on it. And you’re done.

What is Pages App & Why It’s Better than Most Apps out there?

Pages is a word processor designed by Apple. With pages, you can create documents, design posters, write books, edit and create resumes, and so much more. It’s more than just a word processor.

You get powerful features that let you maximize your productivity. Here are some of them that make Pages worth the try:

  • Share documents with the team, and work together live from Apple devices.
  • Jump-start your work with awesome templates: reports, books, letters, CVs, flyers, posters, newsletters, invitation cards, and more.
  • Quickly translate the text on-screen just by selecting it.
  • Handwrite on screen, and it automatically turns into typed text.
  • Play YouTube videos within the documents. All you need to do is to paste the link.
  • Record audios, edit them, and play them — all within the document.
  • You can open a docx or Word file in Pages, which comes in handy.
  • With the new Screen View, you can see everything seamlessly, without changing anything.
  • You can convert files into PDFs, Word, or EPUB.

And tons of more insider features.

Pages might not be as feature-enriched as Microsoft Office Word, but that thing exactly makes its use fast, simple, and intuitive. If you don’t have Pages installed on your Apple device now, you can get it for free on the Apple Store.

Wrapping Up

I hope now you’ll be able to check the word count or character count of your important documents in Apple Pages. Let us know if you have any questions. And of course you can also check you character count by copying and pasting your text into the character counter on our home page.