How to Count Words in an APA Paper
Your professor said 3,000 words in APA format. But does that include the references? The abstract? The title page? Here's what actually counts.
Quick Answer
Use the free Word Counter at dotsapps.com to check your APA paper's word count. APA word count typically includes everything from the introduction through the conclusion — not the title page, abstract, references, or appendices.
What Counts Toward APA Paper Word Limits
APA 7th edition has clear rules about what goes into the word count. The body of the paper is what counts. That means everything from your introduction through your conclusion.
Here's what is included:
- Introduction
- All body paragraphs
- Discussion and conclusion sections
- In-text citations like (Smith, 2023)
- Headings and subheadings
Here's what is not included:
- Title page
- Abstract (usually 150-250 words separately)
- Reference list
- Tables and figures
- Appendices
When in doubt, ask your professor. Some instructors include the abstract. Others want the references counted too. Get it in writing.
How to Count Only the Body of Your Paper
Most word processors count everything in the document. That's not what you want. You need just the body text.
The fastest way: select only the body text in your document, copy it, and paste it into an online word counter. This gives you the exact count without title pages or references muddying the number.
If you use Microsoft Word, you can also select text and look at the word count in the bottom status bar. It shows the count for your selection, not the whole document.
Google Docs works the same way. Select your body text, then go to Tools > Word count. It shows the count for the selected text.
Common APA Paper Length Requirements
Different types of APA papers have different expected lengths:
- Undergraduate research paper: 2,500-4,000 words
- Graduate literature review: 3,000-5,000 words
- Journal article: 5,000-8,000 words (varies by journal)
- Thesis chapter: 5,000-10,000 words
- Dissertation: 40,000-80,000 words total
These are general ranges. Your assignment rubric overrides everything. Always check the specific requirements for your class.
How to Hit Your APA Word Count Without Padding
If you're short on words, don't add filler. Professors spot padding instantly. Instead, try these approaches:
- Add another source. Find one more study that supports your argument and discuss it.
- Expand your analysis. Don't just describe findings — explain what they mean and why they matter.
- Address counterarguments. Discussing opposing views shows critical thinking and adds meaningful words.
- Include more examples. Concrete examples make abstract ideas clearer and add length naturally.
If you're over the limit, cut your weakest paragraph first. Then trim wordy phrases. "Due to the fact that" becomes "because." "At this point in time" becomes "now."
How to Do It: Step-by-Step
- 1
Open your APA paper in your word processor.
- 2
Select only the body text (introduction through conclusion).
- 3
Copy the selected text.
- 4
Paste it into the Word Counter at dotsapps.com.
- 5
Compare the count to your assignment's word limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do references count in APA word count?
No. In standard APA format, the reference list is not included in the word count. However, in-text citations within your body paragraphs are counted. Always confirm with your instructor.
Does the abstract count toward APA word limit?
Usually no. The abstract has its own word limit (typically 150-250 words) and is counted separately. But check your specific assignment instructions.
Do headings count in APA word count?
Yes. Section headings and subheadings within the body of your paper are included in the word count.
How long is a 3000 word APA paper in pages?
About 11-12 double-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins. This is just the body — add 1 page for the title page, 1 for abstract, and 1-3 for references.
Do in-text citations count in word count?
Yes. Citations like (Smith, 2023) or (Johnson & Lee, 2022, p. 45) within your body text are included in the word count.
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