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Do you include bibliography in word count?

Author

Sophia Bowman

Updated on March 12, 2026

Do you include bibliography in word count?

The word count DOES NOT include the bibliography or citations/references in the text (Harvard Style referencing) or in footnotes or endnotes (Chicago Style referencing). ANY OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDED IN A FOOTNOTE OR ENDNOTE OTHER THAN A REFERENCE OR CITATION WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE WORD COUNT.

Beside this, should references be included in word count?

Word count includes everything in the main body of the text (including headings, tables, citations, quotes, lists, etc). The list of references, appendices and footnotes2 are NOT included in the word count unless it is clearly stated in the coursework instructions that the module is an exception to this rule.

Secondly, does executive summary count in word count? The executive summary should convey the objective and key points of the document in the fewest words possible. For some academic publications, the rule is that the executive summary should not exceed 10 per cent of the word count for the rest of the publication.

Beside this, does bibliography count in page count?

- The title page, bibliography, and appendices do not count towards the length of your paper. - The title page does not count as one of your pages in terms of the length of the paper.

What happens if you don't reach the word count?

If you write significantly less than the word count there is a risk that your work will not adequately address the assignment or the learning outcomes. Your work will be assessed on its academic merits and this will be reflected in the mark awarded and the feedback on the piece of work.

Do figures count in word count?

Tables, diagrams (including associated legends), appendices, references, footnotes and endnotes, the bibliography and any bound published material are excluded from the word count.

How much under Word Count is acceptable?

Assignment length requirements are usually given in terms of numbers of words. Unless the lecturer tells you that these limits are strict, it is normally acceptable to be 10% above or below this word limit (so, for example, a 2000 word assignment should be between 1800 and 2200 words).

Do bullet points count in word count?

Some General Points About Word and Character Counts

A word count or character count is a limit. What's more plain text portals use more than one character for tabs, bullet points, auto numbering and indents.

What is included in APA word count?

Counting the number of words in an APA Style paper is easy: Count all the words in the entire paper to get the total word count. That includes the title page, abstract, main text, quotations, headings, citations, footnotes, reference list, tables, figure captions, and appendices—everything.

Do citations count in Word Count Harvard?

Are in-text citations included in my word count? Yes, they are counted in your word count. However, you reference list and bibliography are not counted in your word count.

Does the work cited page count as a page?

The Works Cited page is the last page or pages with the list of all the works you cited throughout your essay. Include those two end-pages in the page-count.

Does the title page count as page 1?

The first page of an essay should be numbered 1. Therefore, if you are preparing an essay that includes a title page, do not number the title page.

What is the difference between cover page and title page?

A title or cover page is exactly what you'd imagine—it's the very front page of your academic essay or paper, which includes important information about your work. If you're unsure as to whether you need to create a title page, check with your tutor or college advisor.

Does page count include cover?

To come up with the correct page count for your book or booklet, count every page, back and front, starting with the front cover. Here's an example to help you visualize how printing companies count booklet pages when printing.

Does an abstract count towards page count?

Generally speaking, however, the abstract is included. The page count would typically include the title, abstract, paper body, references, and biographies (but not the appendix).

Does bibliography have to be in alphabetical order?

A bibliography is a complete list of the references used in a piece of academic writing. The sources should be listed in alphabetical order by surname of the author or editors name. Unlike a reference in a footnote, the given names and surnames of the author or editor are reversed.

Should an appendix be on a separate page?

See below for appendix basics: "An appendix is appropriate for materials that are relatively brief and that are easily presented in print format" (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. "Begin each appendix on a separate page after any references, footnotes, tables, and figures.

Does Work Cited have to be on a separate page?

Basic rules. Begin your Works Cited page on a separate page at the end of your research paper. It should have the same one-inch margins and last name, page number header as the rest of your paper. The citation entries themselves should be aligned with the left margin.

Do you put the date on an APA cover page?

Title page

APA style title pages are centered horizontally and vertically. It consists of the title of your paper, your name and institution. If instructed, it may also include a course/section number, instructor name, and due date. The title page should be numbered the first page.

What is ideal word count of an executive summary?

The word count of the executive summary should be no more than 10% of the word count of the main report. Do not introduce new information into the executive summary. The executive summary should communicate separately to the main report. It should not replace the introduction or the conclusion on the main report.

What is an executive summary example?

Your executive summary should include: The name, location, and mission of your company. A description of your company, including management, advisors, and brief history. Your product or service, where your product fits in the market, and how your product differs from competitors in the industry.