Select your thesis type and word limit — get a chapter-by-chapter word count breakdown based on academic conventions. Free, unlimited, no sign-up.
There's no universal rule, but academic conventions provide strong guidelines. The literature review is typically the longest chapter (25-30% of total), followed by results and discussion (20% each). The introduction and conclusion are the shortest (7-10% each).
These percentages come from analysis of successful theses across disciplines. Your specific allocation depends on your field — sciences tend to have shorter lit reviews and longer results, while social sciences have longer lit reviews and methodology sections.
The most important thing is proportionality. If your methodology chapter is longer than your results, something is likely wrong. Use this planner as a sanity check against your current progress.
Usually no. Most universities exclude the bibliography/references from the word count. Appendices are also typically excluded. Check your university's specific guidelines.
Use the 'Custom' option and enter your specific word limit. The percentage allocations remain the same regardless of total length.
Approximately 275 words per page (double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, standard margins). Single-spaced is approximately 400 words per page.
Yes, within reason. If your literature review is 35% instead of 25%, that's fine if justified. But if it's 50%, you're probably not being selective enough with your sources.