How to Check Word Count in PowerPoint (Step-by-Step Guide)
PowerPoint doesn’t show word count on the screen, so it’s not obvious how many words are on your slides. Still, word count in PowerPoint matters more than you might think. In this guide, I’ll share 2 quick methods to check it—plus one extra tip to save you time when working on presentations.
Most people think of PowerPoint as a visual tool, not something that needs “word limits” like an essay. But the number of words you put on your slides really does affect the quality of your presentation:
Keeps you on time: Too much text can make you go over time.
Keeps people focused: Crowded slides lose attention; clear, balanced content keeps people engaged.
Keeps slides balanced: Too many words look messy, too few look empty. The right amount feels professional.
In short, counting words in PowerPoint isn’t redundant—it helps your slides be clearer, more engaging, and easier to present.
Comparison Table of 2 Word Count in PPT Methods
Method
Suitable Scenario
Pros
Cons
Built-in Word Count
Quickly estimate total word count
No extra tools required
Does not include notes, incomplete statistics
Export to Word
Academic / Business presentations
Most comprehensive word count
Slightly complex steps, formatting may change
WorkPPT
Comprehensive optimization
One-click generation + word count
Dependent on internet, requires learning to use
Way 1: Use PowerPoint's Built-in Word Count
PowerPoint actually keeps track of word count, but it’s not shown on the slides.
1. PowerPoint word count on Windows:
1. Open your PowerPoint file, click “File” → “Info” in the menu bar.
2. Scroll down the navigation pane at the bottom right, locate and click “Show All Properties”.
3. You will then see detailed statistics, including the words count.
This method is quick and doesn’t need extra tools. Just note—it only counts slide text, not words in the notes section. If you usually write notes for your speech, you’ll need another method.
2. PowerPoint word count on Mac:
If you’re using a Mac, the process for counting words in PowerPoint is slightly different:
1. Open your PowerPoint file, click the “File” menu at the top, and select “Properties” from the dropdown menu.
2. A new window will pop up. Switch to the “Statistics” tab. All word counts will be displayed there.
Way 2: Export to Word for Full Word Count on PowerPoint
If you want an exact word count in PPT—including notes and hidden text—we recommend exporting your PPT content to Word.
2. Click “Create Handouts” again, then in the dialog box that appears, import both the slide content and notes into Word.
3. Click “OK”, and the presentation will open in Microsoft Word.
Your presentation will open in Word, and you can see the total word count at the bottom of the window.
It takes a few extra clicks, but this method gives you the most accurate count. I usually use it when preparing academic talks or detailed business decks.
Bonus Tip: A Smart Way to Work Faster in PowerPoint
Beyond word counting, if you also want to optimize your PPT content and layout, we recommend using WorkPPT. This AI platform integrates multiple tools like AI PPT, AI Summary, and AI PDF to boost your productivity.
What I like is that it doesn’t just make slides—it also fixes layouts, keeps the content clear, and makes everything look professional without the extra effort.
I’ve used it myself, and the result saves me hours of editing. The slides come out balanced, clean, and ready to present. If you often make reports or presentations, WorkPPT is a real time-saver.
WorkPPT AI Presentation Maker
Create professional slides with videos in minutes — smart layouts, instant design, and smooth playback.
To count words on a specific slide, copy its content to Word or an online word count tool to view the word count details.
Q2: Can PowerPoint for the web count words?
No, the web version doesn’t have this feature. Just copy your text into Word or use an online tool.
Q3: Does the word count include text within images?
No. Images in PowerPoint (including screenshots and inserted text images) are not counted. To count text within images, you’ll need OCR tools or manual input.
Q4: Will font sizes or formatting change after exporting to Word?
Some changes may occur, but they won’t affect the word count itself. If you only need to count words, you can ignore formatting differences.
Q5: Is there a faster one-click method?
Yes. Tools like WorkPPT can count words instantly and even help improve your slides.
💬 Conclusion:
Word count in PowerPoint isn’t just about numbers—it’s about keeping your slides clear, concise, and effective. For a quick check, PowerPoint’s built-in tool works fine. But if you need a detailed count, exporting to Word is the most accurate option.
If you make slides often, try WorkPPT AI Presentation Maker. It helps you track word count and improve your content at the same time.
As the AI Tools Laboratory Director and an expert in deep customization techniques for PowerPoint and Google Slides, I leverage my experience testing 87 AI tools to enhance creative processes. A Stanford dropout in Human-Computer Interaction, I am passionate about transforming repetitive tasks into opportunities for inspiration, believing that 'tools are servants, not masters'. At WorkPPT, I advocate for the creative freedom that comes from human-machine symbiosis.
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