How to Count Words in Pictures Manually?

Counting words in pictures manually can be challenging and time-consuming, but it’s a viable alternative when OCR tools aren’t available. Follow these steps to do it accurately and efficiently:

Step 1: Identify Text Clearly

Start by carefully analyzing the image to identify and read the text. For example, if you’re working with a scanned page or a photo of handwritten notes, zoom in or adjust the brightness to make the text more readable. Blurry or stylized fonts may require extra focus.

Step 2: Transcribe Text

Manually write down the text visible in the image. For instance, if you have a scanned recipe, type out each ingredient and instruction into a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Double-check for accuracy as you go to avoid missing words or making errors.

Step 3: Count Words

Use the word count feature of your word processor to find the total number of words. For handwritten counts, tally the words manually. For example, include all words, even small ones like “an,” “the,” and “a,” as they contribute to the overall count.

Step 4: Repeat for Multiple Images

If you need to count words across several images, repeat the process for each one. For instance, when transcribing multiple pages of handwritten meeting notes, handle them one by one to avoid confusion or omissions.

Step 5: Verify and Cross-Check

Review your transcription and word count to ensure accuracy. Mistakes are common in manual processes, so a final check can save you time and effort later.

Example

Imagine you’re working with a photo of a whiteboard that lists:

• “Team Goals: Increase sales by 20%, improve customer satisfaction, reduce delivery times.” Transcribe the text, then count the words—18 in this example, including “by” and “the.”

While manual counting can work in small-scale scenarios, it is labor-intensive and prone to errors. For faster, error-free results, tools like our picture word counter are invaluable.