Paragraph length by type of writing
| Type of writing | Typical words | Typical sentences |
|---|---|---|
| Web pages and blog posts | 40–80 | 2–4 |
| Emails | 20–60 | 1–3 |
| News articles | 25–50 | 1–2 |
| School essays | 100–200 | 4–8 |
| Academic papers | 150–250 | 5–10 |
The real rule: one idea per paragraph
Length follows from purpose. A paragraph should develop one main point. When you move to a new point, start a new paragraph. If a paragraph covers two ideas, split it; if two short paragraphs make the same point, merge them.
Why web paragraphs are short
People read on screens differently from print. They scan for the part they need, and on a phone a 150-word paragraph fills the whole screen as an unbroken block. Short paragraphs create white space, make each point easier to find, and give readers natural places to pause. Most style guides for online writing, including the UK government's, recommend short paragraphs for this reason.
A single-sentence paragraph is fine online. Used occasionally, it adds emphasis. Used for every paragraph, it makes writing feel fragmented.
How to structure an essay paragraph
Academic paragraphs are longer because each one makes and supports an argument. A common structure is:
- Topic sentence: states the paragraph's main point.
- Evidence: a quotation, statistic, example or source.
- Analysis: explains how the evidence supports the point.
- Link: connects back to your thesis or leads into the next paragraph.
A five-paragraph essay of 1,000 words has an introduction and conclusion of about 150 words each and three body paragraphs of around 230 words. If one body paragraph is twice as long as the others, it probably contains two points.
Signs a paragraph is too long
- It's longer than about 150 words in web content, or 250 in an essay.
- It contains a sentence beginning with However, Another or In addition in the middle. These words often mark a new idea, and a good place to split.
- You can't summarize it in one sentence.
Signs a paragraph is too short
- In an essay, a two-sentence paragraph usually means the point lacks evidence or analysis.
- Several short paragraphs in a row repeat the same idea.
Check your paragraphs
Paste your draft into the paragraph counter. It lists every paragraph with its word and sentence count, and flags paragraphs over 100 words in amber and over 150 words in red. Then use the word counter to check the total length.