Words by Letters

Syllable counter

Type or paste a word or a passage. The count updates as you type.

What this does

The syllable counter estimates how many syllables are in a word, and in each word of a passage you paste. It shows the total and a tile for every word with its count beside it. Numbers and symbols are skipped.

The count is an estimate made by spelling rules, not a dictionary lookup. The rules handle a silent final e, groups of vowels, endings such as le, ed and es, a y that acts as a vowel, and a short list of common exceptions.

How to use it

Type or paste text into the box. The tiles and the total update as you type. A hyphenated word counts as separate words. Treat the result as a close guess: unusual words, names from other languages and some compound words can come out one syllable off, so check a dictionary when the exact count matters. The text stays in your browser and is not sent anywhere.

Related tools

  • Word counterCount words, characters, sentences and paragraphs, with reading time.
  • Anagram solverEvery word that can be made from your letters, with up to two blanks.
  • 5 letter wordsFilter five-letter words by first letter, last letter and letters inside.

Questions

How does it count syllables?

It counts groups of vowels in each word, then adjusts with spelling rules: a silent final e is dropped, an ending such as le keeps its syllable, ed and es are silent in most words, and a few vowel pairs such as io in video count as two syllables.

How accurate is the count?

It is an estimate. English spelling does not always show how a word is said, so unusual words, names and some compound words can be off by one. Check a dictionary when the exact count matters.

Does my text leave my browser?

No. The counting runs in your browser, and nothing you type or paste is sent anywhere.