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PTE Word Count Rules & Tips

Task-aware ranges and quick explanations. Use the links below to open the counter preloaded for each task.

How PTE counts words (Form scoring)

PTE uses explicit word-count bands for each task. Staying inside the “full-credit” band typically yields the maximum points for the Form trait. Outside the band, Form points are reduced or can drop to zero. For Summarize Written Text, the response must be a single complete sentence.

Task-specific bands

PTE Academic

TaskFull-credit bandHard limits / notes
Write Essay 200–300 words Partial credit around 120–199 or 301–380; 0 if <120 or >380.
Summarize Written Text One sentence (5–75 words) Must be exactly one complete sentence; outside 5–75 not scored.
Summarize Spoken Text 50–70 words Partial around 40–49 or 71–100; 0 if <40 or >100.

PTE Core

TaskFull-credit bandHard limits / notes
Write Email 50–120 words Partial around 30–49 or 121–140; 0 if <30 or >140.
Summarize Written Text 25–50 words Partial around 5–24 or 51–60; 0 if <5 or >60.
Summarize Spoken Text 20–30 words Partial around 5–19 or 31–40; 0 if <5 or >40.

Quick links (open the counter with the right task)

Why sentences & paragraphs still matter

For Academic Summarize Written Text, exactly one sentence is required. For tasks like Essay (Academic) and Write Email (Core), clear paragraphing supports development, structure and coherence—keep paragraphs focused and aim for 2–5 for longer tasks.

Characters are not scored directly; use them as a drafting signal only—word count drives Form scoring.