Appellate Brief Word Count Checker
Verify whether your appellate brief meets the word count limits prescribed by federal and state court rules. Enter your word count, select the court and brief type, and instantly see whether you are within the limit.
Count words in the body of the brief only (exclude cover page, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, and certificates, per applicable rules).
Select a court, brief type, and enter your word count to check compliance.
Formulas Used
Words Remaining = Effective Word Limit − Your Word Count
Percentage Used = (Your Word Count ÷ Effective Word Limit) × 100
Surplus / Deficit = Your Word Count − Effective Word Limit (positive value = over limit; negative = under limit)
Compliance Status Thresholds:
- Within Limit (Green): Word count ≤ 90% of effective limit
- Close to Maximum (Orange): Word count > 90% and ≤ 100% of effective limit
- Over the Limit (Red): Word count > 100% of effective limit
Reply Brief Standard Limit = Principal Brief Limit × 0.5 (per FRAP 32(a)(7)(B)(ii) and most state analogs)
Assumptions & References
- Word counts apply to the body of the brief only. Excluded sections typically include: cover page, corporate disclosure statement, table of contents, table of authorities, jurisdictional statement (in some courts), signature block, certificate of compliance, and certificate of service. Always verify which sections your court excludes.
- Federal Circuit Courts (FRAP): Principal and response briefs are limited to 13,000 words; reply briefs to 6,500 words. Fed. R. App. P. 32(a)(7)(B). Individual circuits may impose stricter limits via local rules (e.g., the Ninth Circuit limits opening briefs to 14,000 words in some cases).
- U.S. Supreme Court: Merits briefs are limited to 15,000 words; reply briefs to 6,000 words; amicus briefs to 8,000 words. SCOTUS Rule 33.1(g).
- California: Opening and respondent's briefs are limited to 14,000 words; reply briefs to 8,400 words. Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(c)(1).
- New York: Briefs in the Appellate Division are limited to 14,000 words. 22 NYCRR § 1250.8(l).
- Texas: Briefs are limited to 15,000 words; reply briefs to 7,500 words. Tex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(2).
- Florida: Briefs are limited to 15,000 words. Fla. R. App. P. 9.210(a)(5).
- Illinois: Word limits are derived from page limits (50 pages for principal briefs; 25 pages for reply briefs) at approximately 540 words per page. Ill. S. Ct. R. 341.
- Pennsylvania: Briefs are limited to 14,000 words; reply briefs to 7,000 words. Pa. R.A.P. 2135.
- Ohio: Briefs are limited to 14,000 words. Ohio App. R. 19(A)(2).
- Washington: Briefs are limited to 14,000 words. Wash. RAP 10.4(b).
- Georgia: Briefs are limited to 15,000 words. Ga. Ct. App. R. 24(f).
- North Carolina: Briefs are limited to 14,000 words; reply briefs to 7,000 words. N.C. R. App. P. 28(j).
- Court rules change. Always verify current limits against the official rules of your specific court before filing.
- This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific matter.