IELTS writing word counter
Write against the real word minimum and the real clock. Switch between Task 1 and Task 2 to check the threshold that actually applies.
Before you submit
- Word count meets the 250-word minimum
Recommended time for Task 2
40:00
Task 2 gets about 40 minutes of the 60-minute Writing test
What this tool does
- Counts words live as you type or paste, checked against the official 150-word (Task 1) and 250-word (Task 2) minimums.
- Gives you a self-check structure checklist, since word count is the one thing software can verify; structure and coherence still need a human read.
- Runs a real recommended-time countdown, 20 minutes for Task 1, 40 for Task 2, so you build the actual exam pace, not an untimed habit.
How to practice with it
- Pick the task, start the timer, and write against the clock like it's the real test, not an untimed draft.
- Watch the word count pill, if it's still red with a few minutes left, that's your signal to develop your points further, not just add filler.
- Run through the structure checklist before you'd call it submitted, then get a real scored read from the writing practice test.
Why the minimum matters more than it seems
IELTS sets a hard floor: 150 words for Task 1, 250 for Task 2. Falling short costs you marks directly, on top of whatever your content and language would otherwise earn, so it's worth checking as you write rather than after time runs out.
The structure checklist here isn't automatic. Word count is the one thing software can actually verify; whether your overview sentence is doing its job, or your conclusion introduces a new idea it shouldn't, takes a human read. Use the checklist as a final pass before you'd submit, then get that human-equivalent read from SmoothMock's writing practice test, which scores Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar line by line.
Timing matters just as much. Task 2 is worth roughly twice what Task 1 is toward your Writing band, but it's easy to let Task 1 run long and then rush the more heavily weighted task. Running the recommended 20/40 split here builds the habit before it costs you on test day.
This counter checks length and timing. A full SmoothMock test tells you exactly which sentence is costing you a band.
Take a free mock testEmbed this on your site
Free to use on any site: blog, forum, coaching-center page. Paste this snippet where you want the widget to appear. It renders as a self-contained widget with a small “by SmoothMock” credit link back to this page; please keep that credit intact.
<iframe
src="https://www.smoothmock.com/tools/ielts-writing-word-counter/embed"
width="100%"
height="900"
style="border:0;border-radius:16px;max-width:560px"
title="IELTS Writing Word Counter by SmoothMock"
loading="lazy"
></iframe>Questions, answered
What's the minimum word count for IELTS Writing?+
150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2. Writing under the minimum costs you marks directly, regardless of how good the content is.
Is there a maximum word count?+
No official maximum, but longer isn't automatically better. Task 2 answers around 260-320 words are typical for strong responses; padding with repetition or irrelevant detail usually hurts Coherence and Cohesion more than it helps.
How much time should I spend on each task?+
About 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, out of the 60-minute Writing test. Task 2 counts for roughly two-thirds of your Writing band, so protect its time even if Task 1 runs long.
Does this tool check my grammar or grading?+
No, it checks word count and gives you a structure self-check, nothing more. For grammar, coherence, and task-response feedback, use SmoothMock's AI-graded writing practice.
Can I put this on my own website?+
Yes. Copy the embed code further down this page and paste it into your site's HTML. It renders as a self-contained widget with a small SmoothMock credit link.
Length checked. Now check the language.
SmoothMock scores your writing against all four criteria and corrects it line by line.
Start your free test →