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Statement of purpose word count
Graduate SOPs are almost always capped. US programs often want 500–1000 words or 1–2 pages. UK and EU forms sometimes use characters. Read the department page, then count.
If they give words vs pages
Word limits are stricter than page limits. If they say “two pages,” use 11–12pt and standard margins, then still count words so you are not at 1500. If they say 1000 words, 1000 is the number — not 1100 with a cute font.
Drafting
Write long, then cut. Paste each revision into the Essay Word Counter. Keep research interests and one proof project; delete childhood stories unless the prompt asks for them.
Steps
- Copy the official cap from the department site.
- Count the draft in the Essay Word Counter.
- Cut to the cap before you request faculty reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Open the Essay Word Counter
The guide is the rule. The tool does the count. No account.
More short guides: all Wordnio guides.