Lyric syllable counter
Section headers in square brackets ([Verse 1], [Chorus]) let the counter use the right limit and compare verse 2 with verse 1. Words in (parentheses) are backing parts and don't count toward the lead line. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Lines
0
Over the limit
0
Off verse 1
0
Verse / chorus avg
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Paste your lyrics, or load the example. Counts update as you type.
What it checks
The rules, and why each one matters.
Syllables per line
Every sung line counted, as you type. Words in parentheses are backing parts, so they don't count toward the lead line.
Lines too long to sing
A line over the limit gets rushed or swallowed, by a singer or by an AI model. Verses usually sit under about ten syllables and hooks under eight; dance genres want fewer.
Verse 2 against verse 1
A second verse is sung to the first verse's melody. A line more than two syllables longer or shorter than its partner won't fit the tune.
Section shape
Repeated sections with a different number of lines break the melody. The counter flags a verse or pre-chorus that doesn't match the first one.
Chorus vs verse
Choruses land harder when their lines are shorter than the verse's. The averages show which way yours lean.
Genre limits
House hooks want about six syllables, UK garage seven, hip-hop verses a lot more. Pick a genre to use its limits.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
- How many syllables should a line of lyrics have?
- There's no single rule, but most pop and R&B verses sit at about 6 to 10 syllables a line, choruses a little shorter. Dance music hooks are shorter still. What matters most is that repeated sections match: verse 2 should mirror verse 1 line for line.
- Should every line have the same number of syllables?
- No. Inside a section, short and long lines can mix, and that variety keeps a melody interesting. The lines that should match are partners: line 1 of verse 1 and line 1 of verse 2, within about two syllables.
- How accurate is the syllable count?
- It uses the same counter as our lyric checker, tested on about 200 tricky words (held vowels, contractions, numbers, hyphens). Sung syllables can still differ from spoken ones, so trust your ear on a borderline line.
- Does this work for AI song generators like Suno?
- Yes. Suno and other generators rush long lines the way singers do, and they follow a consistent verse shape better. The free lyric checker adds the other checks Suno needs, like clichés and section tags.
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