IELTS Word Counter
Hyphenated words count as one (e.g. check-in = 1 word), with live 150/250 minimum checks
Maintained by CD IELTS Prep Practice Team · Original practice content and transparent scoring methodology · Last reviewed
0
words
Task 1
150 to go
Task 2
250 to go
How IELTS counts words
How are hyphenated words counted in IELTS Writing?
A hyphenated word counts as a single word. For example, 'check-in' and 'well-known' each count as one word.
What is the minimum word count for IELTS Writing?
Task 1 requires at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250 words. Writing under the minimum is penalised under Task Achievement.
Do numbers and dates count as words?
Yes. Numbers written as figures (such as 2019 or 45%) each count as one word in IELTS Writing.