# Counting the number of words or characters in a text column

Computing a word count or character count can enable certain kinds of analysis, particularly if a text column stores natural language data. You could, for instance, measure the correlation between word count and other observable attributes.

To count the number of words or characters in a text column:

1. In the Summary view, select the text column whose length you wish to measure
2. Choose Column > Count Words (or Count Characters)

Punctuation and spaces are included in the character count. By default, the new column’s name reflects the calculation, but you can give it a new name of your choosing. (Note that changing the name will not affect the calculation itself.)

See also:

- Concatenating two or more text columns

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