Calculator
How many words should my child say?
Pick your child’s age to see how many words most kids are saying, how they put words together, and how much others should understand.
Free from Oaklin Lane’s therapists. Nothing here is a diagnosis, and if something feels off, that’s enough to ask.
How it works
Pick your child’s age. You’ll see three things most kids are doing at that age: how many words they say, how they put words together, and how much of their speech other people understand. If you add a rough word count, we’ll show you where your child fits and what to do next.
Counting words
A “word” is anything your child says the same way, on purpose, for the same thing. “Ba” for bottle counts. Signs count. Words in every language your child uses count. Animal sounds like “moo” count too.
Talking is more than words
Word count is a quick first look. Speech therapists also look at how well your child understands, how they use gestures and eye contact, and how clearly they speak. For a fuller picture, try our 15-question speech and language checklist.
Learning two languages does not cause a speech delay. Add up words across all of your child’s languages.
Ranges, not deadlines. Based on ASHA and CDC milestones. This tool is not a diagnosis.
Questions families ask
How many words should a 2-year-old say?
Most 2-year-olds say 50 words or more and are starting to put two words together, like “more milk.” Fewer than 50 words at 2 is worth a conversation with your pediatrician or a speech therapist.
How many words should an 18-month-old say?
Most 18-month-olds say at least a handful of words besides “mama” and “dada,” and many say 20 or more. They are adding new words most weeks.
When should I worry about a late talker?
If your child has fewer than 50 words or no two-word phrases by age 2, isn’t gaining new words, or has lost words they used to say, it’s a good time to ask for a speech evaluation.
