What is a sentence counter?
A sentence counter is a tool that counts how many sentences are in a piece of text. This one also counts words, works out the average number of words per sentence, and finds your longest sentence. Those last two numbers tell you more about how easy your text is to read than the count alone.
How long should a sentence be?
Aim for an average of about 15 to 20 words, and keep most sentences under 25. Plain-language guides, like the UK government's, use 25 words as the upper limit. Short sentences are easier to read on a phone, but a text made only of short ones feels choppy, so mix them.
| Length | How it reads | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 words | Punchy and quick | Good for hooks and key points |
| 10 to 20 words | Easy to read | A good average to aim for |
| 20 to 25 words | Starting to work hard | Fine now and then |
| Over 25 words | Hard to follow | Split it in two |
How do I shorten a long sentence?
Find the place where the sentence changes direction, usually at "and", "but", "which" or a comma, and end it there. Then cut words that don't add meaning, like "in order to" (use "to") or "the fact that". Read it out loud: if you run out of breath, it's too long.
- Before: "We launched the new plan last week, and the response was better than we expected, which surprised the team."
- After: "We launched the new plan last week. The response surprised the team."
Why do short sentences work on LinkedIn and X?
Most people read posts on a phone, where a long sentence fills the screen. Short sentences, one idea per line, make a post easy to scan and help the first line stand out. Check a draft with the free post checker, or let Postel draft posts for LinkedIn and X in your voice.