Wikipedia Article Length: How to Write Encyclopedia-Style Content
Wikipedia is the world's largest encyclopedia, with over 6.7 million English articles. Article length varies enormously — from stub articles of a few sentences to comprehensive articles exceeding 100,000 characters. Understanding length guidelines helps you write content that meets encyclopedic standards.
Article Length by Quality Rating
| Quality Level | Typical Word Count | Character Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stub | Under 500 | Under 3,000 | Minimal content, needs expansion |
| Start | 500–2,000 | 3,000–12,000 | Basic coverage of the topic |
| C-class | 2,000–5,000 | 12,000–30,000 | Substantial but incomplete |
| B-class | 3,000–8,000 | 18,000–48,000 | Well-written, mostly complete |
| Good Article | 5,000–15,000 | 30,000–90,000 | Peer-reviewed quality |
| Featured Article | 5,000–20,000+ | 30,000–120,000+ | Highest quality standard |
Featured Article Standards
Featured Articles represent Wikipedia's best work. They must be comprehensive, well-written, neutral, stable, and properly sourced. While there is no strict word count requirement, most Featured Articles fall between 5,000 and 15,000 words, with thorough coverage of all significant aspects of the topic.
Section Structure
Well-structured Wikipedia articles follow a consistent pattern:
- Lead section: 1–4 paragraphs summarizing the entire article (no heading)
- Body sections: Organized by topic with clear headings (== Level 2 ==)
- See also: Related articles
- References: Inline citations
- External links: Authoritative external sources
Writing Style Guide
- Write in a neutral, encyclopedic tone
- Avoid first and second person ("I," "you")
- Cite reliable sources for all claims
- Use clear, concise language accessible to a general audience
- Avoid promotional language and peacock terms ("the best," "world-renowned")
Readability Considerations
Wikipedia recommends keeping articles readable for a general audience. Sentences should average 15–20 words, paragraphs should be 3–5 sentences, and technical terms should be explained on first use. The lead section should be understandable by someone with no prior knowledge of the topic.
Conclusion
Wikipedia article length should be driven by the topic's scope, not arbitrary targets. Focus on comprehensive, well-sourced coverage. Use Character Counter to monitor your article length as you write and edit.