Word count to page count
These estimates assume a standard academic document with 12-point type and one-inch margins. Your actual page count may be slightly higher or lower.
| Word count | Double-spaced pages | Single-spaced pages |
|---|---|---|
| 500 words | About 2 pages | About 1 page |
| 1,000 words | About 4 pages | About 2 pages |
| 1,500 words | About 6 pages | About 3 pages |
| 2,000 words | About 8 pages | About 4 pages |
| 2,500 words | About 10 pages | About 5 pages |
What changes the number of words per page?
Wider fonts use more horizontal space. Times New Roman usually fits more words than Arial at the same point size.
Larger type produces fewer words per page. Moving from 11 to 12 points can add noticeable length to a paper.
Double spacing roughly doubles the vertical space used by the same text, though headings and paragraph breaks affect the exact result.
Wide margins, short paragraphs, lists, quotations, tables, and section headings all reduce the words that fit on a page.
Plan an assignment without writing to the page count
Use page estimates to plan, not to pad. If a five-page assignment will be about 1,250–1,500 double-spaced words, divide that target among the argument's parts. Reserve space for the introduction and conclusion, then give the main sections enough room to explain evidence clearly.
Always follow the instructor's formatting requirements. When both a word count and page count are provided, the word count is usually the more precise limit.