Do Quotes Count in Word Count?

Quotes count in the word count regardless of their length. Be it a short phrase in quote marks or a block of text of over 40 words – it will all add up. In-text citations (source information put in parentheses) are also included in the word count. This applies to most common citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Harvard, and others.

Did you calculate your words, including quotations, numbers, and headings, but the results are still not enough to reach the word count? Use the IvyPanda Essay Extender to add the exact number of words you lack.

How Much Can You Quote?

Although all quotations are included in the total word count, the allowed citation amount is limited. This limitation varies according to the discipline and a teacher’s preferences, but usually, it shouldn’t exceed 10% of the whole text. If you surpassed the maximum, try paraphrasing or summarizing.

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Our final advice is to double-check the instructions and guidelines before submitting your essay. While the information above applies to most popular citation formats, your specific guidelines may differ.