How long should a cover letter be?

A cover letter is typically one page. In practice, 250–400 words is a common and effective length. Very short letters may feel incomplete; very long letters may not be read fully. Expectations vary by industry.

Should I always write a full-page cover letter?

Not necessarily. A focused, well-written letter of 250–300 words can be more effective than a padded 400-word letter. Quality matters more than filling the page.

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Cover Letter Length Checker

Paste your cover letter to check its length, page estimate and reading time. Cover letters are usually most effective when they fit on one page, around 250–400 words.

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