Counts that matter for publishing
Different platforms clip at different lengths, and most of them count characters rather than words.
| Where | Limit | Practical target |
|---|---|---|
| SEO title tag | ~60 characters | 50 – 60 |
| Meta description | ~155 characters | 140 – 155 |
| Google Ads headline | 30 characters | Use all 30 |
| Instagram caption | 2,200 characters | First 125 before the fold |
| X / Twitter post | 280 characters | Under 250 leaves quoting room |
| LinkedIn post | 3,000 characters | First 210 before 'see more' |
| Email subject line | No hard limit | Under 45 for mobile |
Reading time
The estimate assumes 220 words per minute, which is a reasonable average for adult reading of general web content on screen. Technical material reads slower; light narrative reads faster. Treat it as a signal for the reader, not a precise measurement.
How long should an article be?
Long enough to answer the question completely and no longer. Padding a 700-word answer to 2,000 words to hit an imagined threshold produces a worse page that ranks worse. A page that fully resolves the search intent in 900 words will outperform a padded 2,500-word version of the same content.
Privacy
The text stays in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, logged or stored, which makes this safe for drafts you have not published and for client material under NDA.
Frequently asked questions
How is reading time calculated?
Word count divided by 220 words per minute, rounded up to at least one minute.
Does the counter include spaces?
It shows both figures — characters with spaces and without — because platforms differ in which one they enforce.
Is my text stored anywhere?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser and nothing is transmitted.