Essay word budget planner.

Worked example

A 1,500 word essay with a 10% introduction and 10% conclusion gives 150 words to each, leaving 1,200 words for the body. Left on its default of about 150 words a paragraph that is 8 paragraphs of 150 words. With 5 body paragraphs instead it is 5 x 240 words. A 10% margin gives an acceptable range of 1,350 to 1,650 words.

How it works

Introduction = target x intro %, conclusion = target x conclusion %, body = target - introduction - conclusion. Per body paragraph = body / number of paragraphs; if you leave the count blank, it is the body divided by 150 and rounded to a whole number. The acceptable range is the target plus or minus the margin you enter.

The 10% / 80% / 10% split and the 150 words per body paragraph are common planning rules of thumb, not published standards. Rules vary by instructor, course and discipline, so follow your assignment brief.

Sources and basis (opened 2026-10-08): Essay split and paragraph size: planning rule of thumb. Arithmetic only otherwise.

FAQ

How many words should an introduction be?

A common planning default is about 10% of the total, so 150 words in a 1,500 word essay. It is a rule of thumb; follow your assignment and adjust the percentage.

How many paragraphs is a 1,500 word essay?

At about 150 words a body paragraph and a 10% introduction and conclusion, about 8 body paragraphs plus an introduction and a conclusion. Enter your own paragraph count to see the words per paragraph.

Can I change the intro and conclusion split?

Yes. Both percentages are editable, and the body takes whatever is left.

Is going over or under the word count allowed?

It depends on the instructor or publication. The margin field lets you enter the range your assignment states and see the word counts it allows.