TOEFL Essay Word Counter
TOEFL iBT (2026 format): the Academic Discussion task needs at least 100 words.
TOEFL writing word counts (updated for 2026)
The TOEFL iBT was redesigned on 21 January 2026. The Writing section now has three task types — Build a Sentence, Write an Email and Write for an Academic Discussion — and takes about 23 minutes. The old Integrated and Independent essays are gone.
| Task | What you write | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Build a Sentence | Rearrange words into a correct sentence | No word count |
| Write an Email | A short email for an everyday academic situation | ETS gives no fixed minimum — answer every point in the prompt |
| Write for an Academic Discussion | Your opinion in an online class discussion (10 minutes) | “An effective response will contain at least 100 words” |
Tip: for the Academic Discussion task, many teachers suggest aiming a little above 100 words — enough to state your opinion, support it with a reason and an example, and respond to a classmate's point — while leaving time to check your writing.
Frequently asked questions
ETS says an effective Academic Discussion response contains at least 100 words. It does not publish a maximum.
Since January 2026, TOEFL iBT section scores are reported on a 1–6 band scale aligned to the CEFR, alongside a 0–30 scale for comparison during the transition. The Email and Academic Discussion responses are each rated on a 0–5 rubric.
It counts words the same way most word processors do. The TOEFL test interface has its own counter for some tasks; small differences of a word or two are normal.