Tool
Syllable counter
Count the syllables in any word, line, or verse. Type or paste text and the totals update as you go — with a per-word breakdown for checking haiku, limericks, and song meter.
Counts update as you type. The counter uses a spelling-based estimate; for exact counts on individual dictionary words, open that word’s syllable page.
About counting syllables
How does the syllable counter work?
It counts the vowel sounds in each word — every syllable is built around one vowel sound. For words in our pronouncing dictionary the count is exact; for other words (names, new coinages) it uses a spelling-based estimate, which is right the vast majority of the time.
How do you count syllables in a word?
Say the word out loud and count the beats — each beat is a vowel sound. “Wa-ter” has two, “beau-ti-ful” has three. A quick written trick: count the groups of vowel letters, then drop a silent “e” at the end (as in “make”).
Can I count syllables in a whole sentence or poem?
Yes — paste any amount of text and the counter totals every word, shows the syllables per word, and the average per word. It's handy for checking haiku (5-7-5), limericks, and song meter.
Looking for rhymes instead? Find rhymes for any word.