Education

Essay Word Count Planner

Split a word limit across intro, body and conclusion.

Enter your values

Enter the word limit you are working with.

Enter the body paragraphs you are working with.

Enter the intro share in %.

Enter the conclusion share in %.

Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.

Results
Words per body paragraph
320
Introduction
200
Body total
1,600
Conclusion
200

Quick answer

A common split is 10% introduction, 80% body and 10% conclusion.

Body per paragraph = body words ÷ paragraphs

At a glance

What it doesSplit a word limit across intro, body and conclusion.
CategoryEducation
Inputs neededWord limit, Body paragraphs, Intro share, Conclusion share
Main outputWords per body paragraph
FormulaBody per paragraph = body words ÷ paragraphs
CostFree — no sign-up, no download

How to use the Essay Word Count Planner

  1. 1Enter your total word limit.
  2. 2Choose how many body paragraphs you will write.
  3. 3Adjust the intro and conclusion shares.

Inputs explained

Word limit
Enter the word limit you are working with.
Body paragraphs
Enter the body paragraphs you are working with.
Intro share(%)
Enter the intro share in %.
Conclusion share(%)
Enter the conclusion share in %.

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with:

Inputs

  • Word limit2000
  • Body paragraphs5
  • Intro share10 %
  • Conclusion share10 %

Results

  • Words per body paragraph320
  • Introduction200
  • Body total1,600
  • Conclusion200

Frequently asked questions

Can I go over the limit?

Most markers allow ±10% unless the brief says otherwise.

Do references count?

Usually not — check your style guide.

What do I need to enter into the Essay Word Count Planner?

Just 4 values: word limit, body paragraphs, intro share, conclusion share. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.

How does the Essay Word Count Planner work out the answer?

A common split is 10% introduction, 80% body and 10% conclusion. It applies the formula Body per paragraph = body words ÷ paragraphs and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.

Is the Essay Word Count Planner free, and do I need an account?

It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.

Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.