Average sentence length calculator
Review sentence length in articles and reports and find the long sentences that may need splitting.
Loading the tool…
Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter text and long sentence limit.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Average sentence length = total words ÷ number of sentences. A long sentence is one with more words than the chosen limit.
Example
Inputs: Long sentence limit = 20 words. Result: Average words per sentence: 6; Sentences: 4; Longest sentence: 7 words.
Limits and caveats
- A sentence with no end mark merges with the next one until a full stop or blank line.
- The default limit of 20 words is a general plain-writing guide, not a fixed rule.
Questions about this tool
What is a good average sentence length?
Many plain-writing guides suggest an average of about 15 to 20 words, with some variety so the text does not feel flat.
Are long sentences always wrong?
No, but too many tire the reader. Split a sentence when it carries more than one idea.
How is the end of an Arabic sentence found?
By a full stop, question mark ؟ or exclamation mark followed by a space, or by a blank line. A comma does not end a sentence.