Syllable Counter
Count the syllables in a word, a line or a whole poem. Every word and line gets its own count, and three lines get a haiku check.
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Syllables
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Words
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Syllables per word
Counts use spelling rules, so an unusual word can be one syllable out. Names and borrowed words are the usual culprits.
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Where syllable counts matter
- Poetry: haiku (5–7–5), limericks and metered verse all depend on syllables per line.
- Songwriting: matching syllables across verses keeps a melody singable.
- Readability: formulas like Flesch–Kincaid use syllables per word. Thereadability checker does the whole calculation for you.
Frequently asked questions
How are syllables counted?
By the vowel sounds in each word's spelling, with the usual adjustments: a silent final "e" is dropped, and endings like "-le" count as a syllable. It is the same method readability formulas use.
How do I check a haiku?
Write the haiku as three lines. The tool counts each line and tells you whether it follows the 5–7–5 pattern.
Why does a word have the wrong count?
English spelling does not always match its sounds. Names, borrowed words and words like "fire" (said as one or two syllables) are the most common exceptions. The count is right for nearly all everyday words.