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Syllable Counter
Live syllable counts for every line as you write — with a haiku check for 5-7-5.
How it counts: syllables are estimated from vowel groups with English rules for silent “e”, “-le” endings, “-ed” and common exceptions. It’s right for the vast majority of words, but unusual names and borrowed words can be off by one — the per-word breakdown below lets you spot them.
About the Syllable Counter
The Syllable Counter shows live syllable counts for every word and every line as you write. It is built for poets, songwriters and students working with haiku (5-7-5), sonnets, limericks and lyrics that need to fit a rhythm, as well as teachers explaining syllables and anyone checking the flow of their writing.
How to use the Syllable Counter
- Type or paste your poem, lyrics or text.
- See the syllable count at the end of every line.
- Check the counts for individual words.
- Adjust lines until they fit the pattern you need.
Frequently asked questions
How many syllables are in a haiku?
A traditional English haiku has three lines of 5, 7 and 5 syllables — 17 in total.
How does the counter work out syllables?
It uses English pronunciation rules for vowel groups, silent endings and common exceptions. Most words come out exactly right; unusual names or words with several pronunciations may differ by one.
Why do syllable counts sometimes differ between tools?
Some words are pronounced differently by different people — “fire” can be one syllable or two — so counters may disagree on a few words.