How to count syllables
Type a word, or paste a whole poem or song verse. The counter shows each line with its total, and every word with its own count, so you can see exactly where the beats fall.
Counts are worked out using spelling rules, such as treating a silent e at the end of a word as silent and counting vowel sounds rather than vowel letters. That gets most everyday words right, but English has plenty of exceptions, so treat each count as a close estimate and say any doubtful words aloud.
Words where accents differ, like fire, flower or chocolate, can have different counts depending on how you speak. Go with your own pronunciation when it matters.
Haiku, songs and poems
A traditional English haiku has three lines of five, seven and five syllables. Paste your haiku in and check each line total against that pattern.
Songwriters can compare syllable counts between matching lines of verses so the words fit the same melody. Lines with the same count, and similar stresses, usually sing more naturally.
For limericks and other metred poems, the per-word counts make it easier to see which word to swap when a line feels one beat too long.
For teachers and learners
Clapping out syllables is a common early phonics activity. Use the counter to make answer sheets, or to check words children have split into beats.
Older learners can use it to explore why words such as walked have one syllable while wanted has two.
Questions and answers
How accurate is the syllable counter?
It is an estimate based on spelling rules and a list of common exceptions. It gets most everyday words right, but unusual words and regional pronunciations can differ.
How many syllables are in a haiku?
An English haiku traditionally has 17 syllables over three lines: five, seven, then five.
Does it count each line separately?
Yes. Each line gets its own total, and the overall total is shown at the top.
Why might my count differ from a dictionary?
Some words have more than one accepted pronunciation, such as fire or every. Dictionaries pick one, and the counter picks the most common.