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The word-per-page conventions here assume Purdue OWL MLA defaults. Purdue OWL.
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3-Page Essay Word Count
Words-per-page tables and structure for a tight 3-pager.
Quick answer
- 12pt Times, double-spaced: 3 pages equals 750 words.
- 12pt Times, single-spaced: 3 pages equals 1,500 words.
- 12pt Arial, double-spaced: 3 pages equals 700 words.
- 11pt Calibri, double-spaced: 3 pages equals 780 to 840 words.
How to plan a 3-page essay
- Introduction: 100 to 150 words
- Two body paragraphs: 250 to 300 words each
- Conclusion: 100 words
Full tables live on the words-per-page page. Live word count on the homepage counter.
Common questions
Does 3 pages include the works cited?
Usually no. Works cited is extra. Check the assignment brief.
What if the professor sets 1.15 line spacing?
1.15 spacing sits closer to single-space than to double. Rule of thumb: 3 pages equals 1,200 to 1,400 words at 12pt Times, 1.15 spacing.
Is 750 words for a short essay enough?
For a 3-page assignment at MLA defaults, yes. The essay lives or dies on how tight the argument is, not on the raw count.
How do I hit exactly 750?
Draft to 850 and cut 100. Draft to 650 and add an example plus a counter-example. Do not draft to 750 in the first pass.
What if I use 11pt font?
Adds roughly 10 percent to the words-per-page. 3 pages of 11pt Times, double-spaced, is closer to 820 to 850 words.