How to Increase Word Count

Find the thin spots

Paste your draft with # headings into the Content Brief Word Counter or Essay Word Counter and see which sections are shortest. A paragraph with one claim and no support is a candidate. So is a conclusion of two sentences, or an introduction that does not say how the argument will unfold.

Ten ways to add real value

1. Add evidence. A statistic, a study or a quotation, with a short explanation of why it matters.
2. Give an example that illustrates the claim.
3. Define key terms the reader may not know.
4. Explain the “so what”. After each point, say why it matters.
5. Add a counterargument and respond to it.
6. Compare and contrast with an alternative.
7. Add background or context, briefly.
8. Add a process step or detail in how-to content.
9. Expand the conclusion with implications or next steps.
10. Add transitions that show how ideas connect.

What not to do

Do not change the font size or margins to fake length; markers notice. Do not repeat sentences, add pointless adjectives or include off-topic material. Search engines and teachers both reward usefulness. If your argument has run out of things to say, the problem is the argument, not the word count. Revisit the question or the plan.

Use the tools to check balance

After adding, check the average sentence length with the Sentence Counter and the distribution of paragraphs with the Paragraph Counter. The Unique Word Counter helps ensure you are adding new ideas rather than repeating the same words. If you add too much, cut with the methods in How to Reduce Word Count.

Targets and margins

Aim to land within about 10 percent of your target; see How Many Words in an Essay? for typical lengths. For articles, look at what ranks and add the missing subtopics, as discussed in Does Word Count Affect SEO?.

Try it yourself

Put the numbers above to work with these free tools:

Frequently asked questions