Markdown Tools
Markdown Word / Character Counter
Count words, characters, and reading time in Markdown.
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What is MD Word Count?
A Markdown-aware word counter that reports total words, characters, reading time, and the count excluding Markdown syntax characters.
How it works
The raw text is counted directly, and a syntax-stripped copy is counted again to show what a reader actually sees.
- Enter your input. Type or paste your input into the field above — the tool responds instantly.
- Review the result. Output updates live as you type. Everything runs entirely in your browser.
- Copy or download. Use the Copy button to grab the result, or Download to save it as a file.
Examples
Writing metrics
Count words and characters in a Markdown doc — with an option to strip syntax so the count reflects prose only.
Common mistakes
Raw counts include syntax
Headings, links, and formatting add tokens that inflate the raw count — strip syntax for an accurate word count.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a word?
Whitespace-delimited tokens, with code blocks and inline code optionally excluded.
Does it estimate reading time?
Yes — a standard words-per-minute reading estimate is shown alongside the counts.