Cover Letter Word Counter
Count the words and characters in your cover letter and instantly see if it hits the ideal length. The right cover letter length is about 250 to 400 words on a single page, and this free tool tells you the moment you are over or under.
Start typing or paste your cover letter to see the word count.
Perfect length, written automatically
CoverLetterMaker writes a tailored cover letter that lands in the ideal length range every time, then exports it as a clean PDF. Free to start.
Try CoverLetterMaker for freePerfect length, written automatically
CoverLetterMaker writes a tailored cover letter that lands in the ideal length range every time, then exports it as a clean PDF. Free to start.
Length is one of the most common cover letter questions, and getting it wrong is an easy way to lose a recruiter. This free cover letter word counter shows your word count, character count and more as you type, and tells you whether you are inside the ideal range.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should be about 250 to 400 words and fit on a single page. That is long enough to make a focused case for your fit and short enough that a busy recruiter will actually read it. Three to four short paragraphs is the sweet spot.
Going much shorter than 250 words usually means you have not given the employer a reason to move you forward. Going much longer than 400 words, or onto a second page, means you are padding, and the most important lines get buried. The word counter above keeps you honest with a live check against this range.
Why cover letter length matters
Recruiters and hiring managers skim. When a cover letter runs long, the parts that matter most, your strongest achievement and your reason for wanting the role, get lost in the middle. A tight letter respects the reader and signals that you can communicate clearly.
Length also affects how human your letter feels. Padded letters tend to lean on filler and buzzwords. A focused 300 word letter forces every sentence to earn its place, which is exactly the discipline that makes a cover letter persuasive.
What this word counter measures
The tool updates instantly as you type or paste, giving you a full readout so you can tighten your draft with confidence.
- Word count, with a live check against the ideal 250 to 400 word range.
- Character count, with and without spaces, useful for tight application forms.
- Sentence and paragraph counts to check your structure at a glance.
- Estimated reading time so you know how long a recruiter will spend.
- A color coded progress bar that turns green when you hit the ideal length.
Tips to hit the ideal cover letter length
If your letter is too long or too short, a few quick edits usually fix it.
- Cut any sentence that repeats your resume without adding a story.
- Replace vague claims with one concrete, quantified achievement.
- Remove buzzwords and filler phrases like "I am writing to apply for".
- If too short, add a specific reason you want this company and role.
- Keep paragraphs to three or four sentences for easy skimming.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a cover letter be?
About 250 to 400 words on a single page, in three to four short paragraphs. That range is long enough to make your case and short enough to be read in full.
How many words is too long for a cover letter?
Past roughly 400 words, or onto a second page, a cover letter is usually too long. Recruiters skim, so trim filler and keep it to one page.
Is a 200 word cover letter too short?
It can be. Under about 250 words you often have not given enough reason to move forward. Add a specific achievement or a genuine reason you want the role.
How many paragraphs should a cover letter have?
Three to four: a strong opening, one or two body paragraphs that connect your experience to the job, and a short, confident close.
Does cover letter length differ by industry?
The 250 to 400 word guideline holds across most industries. More conservative fields may prefer the shorter end, but one page is the universal rule.
Is this word counter free?
Yes, completely free with no sign up. It runs entirely in your browser, so your text never leaves your device.
Does it count characters too?
Yes. It shows characters with and without spaces, which is handy for application forms that enforce character limits.
Will my text be saved or sent anywhere?
No. The counter works locally in your browser. Your draft is saved only in your own browser session and can be cleared with the reset button.
What is the ideal cover letter reading time?
Around one to two minutes. The tool estimates reading time so you can confirm your letter is quick to get through.
Can a tool write a cover letter at the right length for me?
Yes. CoverLetterMaker generates a tailored cover letter that automatically lands in the ideal length range, then exports it as a polished PDF.
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Cover Letter Examples
Real cover letter examples you can copy and adapt for your own job application. Below you will find six complete cover letter samples, from an entry level cover letter example to an experienced professional one, plus a clear cover letter format, structure tips, and answers to the most common questions about writing a cover letter.
Let CoverLetterMaker handle the length for you
Generate a tailored, one page cover letter that hits the ideal word count every time, then download it as a clean PDF. Free to start, no credit card required.
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