IELTS Essay Word Counter
Task 1: minimum 150 words. Task 2: minimum 250 words.
IELTS writing word count requirements
| Format / Type | Length / Limit |
|---|---|
| Task 1 – Academic (describe chart/graph) | 150 words minimum — aim for 160–190 |
| Task 1 – General Training (letter) | 150 words minimum — aim for 160–180 |
| Task 2 – Essay (both Academic & GT) | 250 words minimum — aim for 260–300 |
Falling significantly below the minimum will result in a Band score penalty on Task Achievement / Task Response. Going significantly over (e.g. 400+ words for Task 2) wastes exam time and often produces less focused writing.
Important: write comfortably above the minimum so that small differences in how words are counted can never matter.
Frequently asked questions
This counter treats a contraction such as "don't" as one word, as word processors do. If you are close to the minimum, write a few more words rather than relying on how contractions are counted — and remember that contractions are usually best avoided in formal Task 2 essays anyway.
Writing significantly under the minimum word count results in a penalty on the Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2) criterion. Examiners will also note that a very short response is unlikely to develop ideas sufficiently for higher band scores.
Yes, but it is not always beneficial. Writing 280–320 well-organised words is generally better than writing 400 loosely structured words. Use the extra time to check grammar, vocabulary, and cohesion rather than adding more content.