Plain-language terms

Terms of use

Paper Count is a practical estimate, not an institution's official ruling.

Last updated: 17 July 2026

The service

Paper Count is a free, browser-based tool published by Mario-Celestino Nardelli under the ZeroesOnesAndYou project name. By using the tool, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, do not use it.

No account is required. Opening a PDF does not upload it to the publisher. The document and result are processed locally as described in the Privacy notice.

Word-count accuracy

Always check the rules that apply to your submission.

Universities, journals, employers, and institutions may count references, captions, tables, appendices, equations, or hyphenated terms differently.

Paper Count uses text extraction and layout heuristics. Complex encoding, outlined fonts, scans, OCR errors, unusual reading order, formulas, and tables can affect the result. The extracted-text preview and page breakdown are provided so you can inspect the estimate.

Results are not certified and should not be presented as an official count unless the relevant institution has independently accepted the method.

Your responsibilities

  • Use only documents you are entitled to access and process.
  • Review the result before relying on it for a submission, contract, funding limit, or other important decision.
  • Keep your own copy of documents and any result you need; Paper Count does not maintain a backup.
  • Do not attempt to interfere with the website, its security, or other users' access.

Availability and changes

The service is provided free of charge on an “as available” basis. Features, counting rules, and availability may change, and the service may be suspended or discontinued. Reasonable care is taken to keep it secure and useful, but uninterrupted or error-free operation cannot be guaranteed.

External services and voluntary tips

External links, including Ko-fi, lead to services controlled by third parties. Their terms and privacy practices apply once you leave Paper Count. A voluntary tip is not required to use the tool and does not buy a product, membership, service level, or guaranteed feature.

Responsibility and applicable law

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the publisher is not responsible for loss caused by relying on an unverified count, loss of a local document, incompatibility with a particular PDF, or the acts of an external service. Nothing in these terms excludes rights or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

These terms are governed by Italian law, without removing mandatory protections or courts available to a user under applicable consumer or data-protection law.

Questions? Email zeroesonesandyou@gmail.com or read the Legal notice.