Count words.
Not (in-text citations, 2026)(citations, 2026).

The most precise word counter for IB students and academic writers. Privacy first, CiteCount automatically excludes in-text citations, generates formatted references, and your work never leaves your browser.

Open CiteCount → See how it works
CiteCount Logo CiteCount
Words without Citations
120
Total Words
129
Characters without Citations
713
Total Characters
776
Citations
2

Welcome to CiteCount! CiteCount is a tool designed to help you count words in your text while excluding in-text citations.

CiteCount automatically detects your in-text citation and highlights it (CiteCount, 2026).

By default, all citations are not included in the Total Words count. They are visualized by a red highlight in the text. If CiteCount misrecognized an in-text citation (since CiteCount detects citations in parenthesis, like this one), you can always toggle it to count into the total word count.

You can click on a citation and CiteCount will jump to its position ("What's new in CiteCount v2", 2026).

In-text Citation Words Occ. Excl.
CiteCount, 2026 2 1
since CiteCount detects citations in parenthesis, … 9 1
"What's new in CiteCount v2", 2026 6 1
🔒 Files never leave your device
⚡ No server — instant processing
📄 Imports Word & PDF files
🎓 Built for IB & university
📚 MLA · APA · Harvard
Core Counting Engine

Most accurate word-counting algorithms

CiteCount understands every available word count matters, and we deliver the most accurate, citation-aware counting experience. Our advanced algorithms gives you the complete picture: clean counts, citation-separated totals, and time estimates for reading, speaking, and handwriting.

📈 Words processed
---,---,---
words processed across CiteCount
Primary metric

Words Without Citations

The count your examiner actually grades. All in-text citations and reference lists are detected and excluded automatically.

Secondary metric

Total Word Count

The full count including all citations, shown alongside the clean count so you always know both figures at once.

Detail

Character Counting

Separate character counts with and without citations, essential for assignments that specify character limits.

Detection

Citation Highlighting

Every detected citation is highlighted red in your text. The sidebar shows words, occurrence count, and lets you exclude individual ones.

Time estimates

Reading & Speaking Time

Reading time at 200 wpm. Speaking at 150 wpm. Know exactly how long your essay takes to deliver before you present.

More estimates

Handwriting Time

Estimated at 40 wpm, for students who write exam answers by hand and need to know if their response fits the time available.

File Import

Drop in your Word or PDF

No copy-pasting. Drag and drop your document directly into CiteCount, it parses the content, strips images and equations, and starts counting immediately.

  • ✓Supports .docx Word documents and PDF files
  • ✓Images and equations automatically removed before counting
  • ✓Drag-and-drop or click to choose a file
  • ✓Content is processed locally, never uploaded to any server
  • ✓Batch upload unlimited files at once
  • ✓View our data safety promise
📂 Import document
📄
Drop to import into CiteCount
Release your Word or PDF file here
📋 Paste Text
📁 Upload File
🔒 Your content stays secure in your browser and never leaves your device.
Reference Generator

Generate formatted citations in seconds

Paste a URL, DOI, or ISBN and CiteCount auto-fills the reference. Choose your style and source type, then drop the citation into your bibliography.

⚡ Quick Add — auto-fill from identifier
https://www.example.com/article...
URL
DOI
ISBN
Citation Style
MLA 9th
APA 7th
Harvard
Source Type
Website
Book
Journal Article
Newspaper
Author(s) Smith, John
Year 2024
Title Impact of Climate Policy…
  • ✓Three citation styles: MLA 9th, APA 7th, and Harvard
  • ✓Auto-fill from URL, DOI, or ISBN — no manual entry needed
  • ✓Source types: websites, books, journal articles, newspapers
  • ✓Fill any field manually when auto-fill misses details
  • ✓Detected citations listed with word counts and occurrence totals
  • ✓Toggle individual citations to exclude them from the word count
  • ✓Click a citation in the sidebar to jump to it in your text
  • ✓Sort detected citations by count, words, or name
  • ✓Search through detected citations in the sidebar
Built-in Tools Suite

Everything you need, in one workspace

CiteCount ships a full suite of academic productivity tools alongside your document. No switching tabs, no distractions.

📚
Dictionary
Look up definitions without leaving your document
🧠
Thesaurus
Find synonyms and alternatives instantly
🍅
Pomodoro Timer
Timed study sessions with structured breaks
🌐
Translate
Translate content between languages
📝
Notepad
Quick notes and ideas alongside your work
📚
Word Bank
Curated vocabulary to enrich academic writing
🧮
Scientific Calculator
Advanced calculations for STEM coursework
📈
Graphing Calculator
Plot and analyze mathematical functions
IB Applications

The complete IB toolkit

Dedicated apps built specifically for the International Baccalaureate programme, beyond the word counter.

⏳

IB Exam Countdown

Customisable countdown timers for the IB May examination session. Every subject's date visible at a glance.

→
⏱

IB Exam Timer

Full exam simulation with separate reading time and voice guidance for invigilator instructions — perfect for mock exams.

→
🎓

IB Resources Directory

A hand-picked collection of the most useful resources for IB students across all subjects and components.

→
📊

IB Bulletin Analysis

Interactive visual analysis of IB Bulletin reports — grade distributions, pass rates, and subject trends.

→
Academic Guides

Written by top scorers, for every subject

Detailed IA, EE, and TOK guides authored by IB graduates who achieved top marks, and academic skills articles by Ivy League and Russell Group students.

Extended Essay

Complete Word Count & Structure Guide

 TOK Essay

Requirements, Structure & Word Limit

 TOK Exhibition

Object Selection & Commentary Word Limits

 Biology IA

Structure, Tips & Word Count Requirements

 Chemistry IA

Framework & Word Restrictions Guide

 Physics IA

Experimental Design & Word Limits

 Mathematics IA

Planning, Structure & Word Count Guidelines

 Economics IA

Analysis Techniques & Word Count Guide

 Psychology IA

Research Methodology & Word Limits

 Business Management IA

Real-World Applications & Structure

 History IA

Source Analysis & Word Count Guide

 Geography IA

Fieldwork Analysis & Word Count Guide

 ESS IA

Environmental Systems & Societies IA

 University Applications

UCAS Personal Statement for IB Students

 Exam Preparation

IB Exam Techniques & Strategies
View all guides →
Privacy Promise

Your work stays yours

CiteCount is a client-side application. This isn't a marketing claim, it's an architectural guarantee. No server ever receives your text.

  • ✓All processing happens locally inside your browser, no network requests containing your text are ever made
  • ✓Word and PDF files are parsed entirely on-device; file bytes never travel beyond your machine
  • ✓No account required. No sign-in. No data retained between sessions
  • ✓Fully open source for transparency
🔒citecount.com
📄
Your document
Word · PDF · Pasted text
⚙️
Browser JavaScript engine
Counting · Parsing · Citation detection
✦
Your word count
Private · Accurate · Instant
✓ No server receives your content, ever.

The word counter you deserve.

Start free. Import your first document in seconds. No account needed, just open CiteCount and begin writing with confidence.

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