Knowing the word count of a PowerPoint presentation can help you estimate presentation length, improve readability, and avoid overcrowding your slides. Whether you’re preparing a business presentation, a school assignment, or a training session, checking the number of words in your slides and speaker notes can provide valuable insights.
Fortunately, Microsoft PowerPoint includes a built-in feature that allows users to view the word count of their presentations. You can also export your slides to Microsoft Word if you need a separate word count for speaker notes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check the word count in PowerPoint on Windows and Mac, along with additional tips to help optimize your presentations.
Why Check the Word Count in PowerPoint?
Many presenters use word count to:
- Estimate speaking time.
- Avoid overcrowded slides.
- Improve audience engagement.
- Create concise presentations.
- Review speaker notes.
- Maintain readability.
- Prepare for time limits.
Too much text can make slides difficult to read, while too little information may leave important details out.
How to Get the Word Count of Your PowerPoint Presentation on Windows
PowerPoint for Windows includes a built-in word counter.
Steps
- Open your PowerPoint presentation.
- Click the File tab.
- Select Info.
- Under the Properties section, click Show All Properties.
- Locate the Words field.
The number displayed represents the total word count for both slides and notes.
How to Get the Word Count on Mac
Mac users can also view presentation statistics.
Steps
- Open the PowerPoint file.
- Click File.
- Select Properties.
- Open the Statistics tab.
- Find the word count information.
PowerPoint displays various statistics, including the total number of words in the presentation.
Count Only Speaker Notes
If you want to count only speaker notes, PowerPoint allows you to export the presentation to Microsoft Word.
Steps
- Open PowerPoint.
- Click File.
- Select Export.
- Choose Create Handouts.
- Click Create Handouts.
- Select a page layout.
- Export to Microsoft Word.
Once the document opens in Word, the word count appears at the bottom of the window.
Benefits of Checking Word Count
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Better Timing | Estimate presentation length |
| Improved Readability | Prevent crowded slides |
| More Engagement | Keep audiences focused |
| Professional Design | Cleaner presentations |
| Easier Editing | Identify unnecessary text |
Word count can help ensure your presentation remains clear and easy to follow.
PowerPoint Versions That Support Word Count
| Version | Word Count Available |
|---|---|
| PowerPoint 365 | Yes |
| PowerPoint 2024 | Yes |
| PowerPoint 2021 | Yes |
| PowerPoint 2019 | Yes |
| PowerPoint 2016 | Yes |
| PowerPoint for Mac | Yes |
| PowerPoint Web | No |
PowerPoint for the web currently doesn’t include built-in word count functionality.
Tips for Better Presentations
To create more effective slides:
- Keep text concise.
- Use bullet points.
- Avoid large paragraphs.
- Include visuals and charts.
- Limit words per slide.
- Review speaker notes separately.
These practices can improve audience engagement and make presentations easier to understand.
