How to use the blog word counter
- Write or paste your blog post.
- Read the word count and reading time.
- Compare with your target; use Set goal for client briefs.
- Check paragraph length: aim for two to four sentences for online reading.
How long should a blog post be?
| Post type | Typical length | Reading time |
|---|---|---|
| News or update | 300–600 words | 1–3 min |
| Standard article | 800–1,200 words | 3–5 min |
| In-depth guide | 1,500–2,500 words | 6–10 min |
| Pillar page / ultimate guide | 2,500–5,000 words | 10–20 min |
Reading time uses 238 words per minute, the average for adult silent reading; see How Reading Time Is Calculated. Longer is only better when each section adds something new. For more, see How Many Words in a Blog Post?.
Make the length work
Open with the answer, use clear subheadings so readers can scan, and keep paragraphs short. A 2,000-word post with ten informative sections is easier to read than a 900-word block of text. Track balance with # headings in the SEO Word Counter, and check sentence length in the Readability Checker before publishing. For titles and descriptions, use the Meta Title Length Checker.
Frequently asked questions
How many words should a blog post be?
Most useful posts are 800 to 2,000 words, but it depends on the topic.
Does Google prefer long posts?
Google prefers helpful posts. Length follows from covering the topic.
How is reading time calculated?
Words divided by 238 for an average adult reader.