Chapter word count planner

1. Enter the total word count you are aiming for and the number of chapters.
2. Choose even chapters or an arc, where opening and closing chapters run shorter and the middle longer.
3. Enter how many words you write on a typical day.
4. Read the plan and your finish estimate.

An even plan divides the total by the number of chapters. An arc plan gives each chapter a weight that rises toward the middle of the book and falls toward the end, then scales the weights so the chapters add up to your target.

The finish estimate divides the total word count by your daily words and rounds up to whole days. It assumes you write every day, so allow extra time for rest and revision.

• Chapter length should follow the story or the argument, not a spreadsheet. Treat the numbers as a guide.
• Revision often changes length by 10 percent or more.
• Nonfiction chapters can vary widely, so adjust any chapter that needs more or less room.

These free utilities from SEO Site Checker, a separate site, pair well with this tool: Word Combiner, Markdown to Word. Check their terms before uploading anything private.

Use the tools together, starting with word count and ending with keywords. See every tool on our free author tools page.

• Royalty Calculator
• Word and Page Count
• Publishing Timeline
• Cover Size Calculator
• Line Edit Report
• Keyword Planner
• Manuscript Format Checker
• Book Description Generator
• Reading Level Checker
• ISBN Checker
• Print Cost Estimator
• Book Title Generator
• Author Bio Builder
• Book Launch Checklist
• Cover Template

A calculator gives you a number, and our team does the work behind it. Get a free consultation and we will quote the editing, design, formatting and publishing in writing before any work starts.