Syllable Counter Count syllables in text with word-by-word breakdown and distribution.

What Is Syllable Counter?

Counts syllables in each word with total, average per word, distribution chart, and word-by-word breakdown. Essential for poets (haiku 5-7-5), songwriters, and writers optimizing readability. High averages (above 1.6) indicate complex vocabulary.

Why Use Syllable Counter?

• Word-by-word syllable breakdown
• Distribution chart of complexity
• Essential for poetry and haiku
• Raw input to readability formulas
• Quick vocabulary complexity assessment

Common Use Cases

Poetry

Verify haiku (5-7-5) and other syllabic forms.

Songwriting

Match syllables to melody notes.

Readability

Identify multisyllabic words to simplify.

Language Learning

Understand syllable structure of vocabulary.

Technical Guide

Algorithm: strip non-alpha, handle silent-e, collapse vowel groups, count clusters (a,e,i,o,u,y). Distribution groups words by syllable count with bar charts. Minimum 1 syllable per word. Accurate for ~95% of common English words.

Tips & Best Practices

• 1
  Average 1.3-1.5 syllables indicates readable text
• 2
  Above 1.8 suggests complex vocabulary
• 3
  Verify unusual words manually for critical poetry
• 4
  Distribution chart shows complexity profile quickly

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q How accurate is the syllable counter?

About 95% for common English words.

Q Does it work for haiku?

Yes, verify unusual words manually.

Q Does it work with non-English text?

Designed for English vowel patterns.

Q What is a good average syllable count?

1.3-1.5 for general readability, 1.7-2.0 for academic.

Q Why does it show 1 syllable for short words?

1-2 character words treated as monosyllabic, correct for most English words.

About This Tool

Syllable Counter is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.