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Filler word counter for interview answers
Answer an interview question out loud, record it on your phone, and paste the transcript here. You get every “um”, “uh”, “like” and “you know”, how many per 100 words, and your pace if you add how long it took. It is counted in your browser, and nothing is saved.
How to read your result
- Up to 2 per 100 words: normal speech. Nobody will notice.
- 3 to 5 per 100 words: an interviewer will hear them. Pick the one you use most and work on that one.
- More than 5 per 100 words: the filler is louder than the answer. Replace it with a short silent pause.
- “Possible” words like “so”, “just” and “really” are sometimes doing real work. Read the sentence before you cut them.
These bands are a rough guide from practice, not a scientific standard.
How to cut filler words
Pause instead. A filler word is a pause with a sound in it. A one-second silence sounds thoughtful; “um” sounds unsure. Practice stopping at the end of a sentence and breathing.
Know your first sentence. Most fillers pile up at the start of an answer, while you find your way in. For any “tell me about a time” question, open with the situation, using the STAR method.
Practice out loud, then count again. Reading an answer in your head does nothing for filler words. Say it, record it, paste it here, and compare the number a week later.
Questions
Is it really free? Yes, with no account and no limit. The text never leaves your browser.
Where do I get a transcript? Most phones transcribe voice memos, and video-call apps can caption a call. Any transcript of you speaking works.
What is a good speaking pace for an interview? Roughly 110 to 160 words a minute sounds comfortable. Faster than that, and key points get lost.
Can something count them for me while I practice? Yes. RehearseAI is a video AI interviewer you see and hear: it asks the questions for your role, and the feedback afterward includes your filler words and pace. Every account gets 10 free practice minutes a month, with no credit card. Or start with the free interview question generator.