Early career
A complete one-page CV can work for school leavers, students and recent graduates with limited experience.
Free UK CV tool
Is your CV too short, too long or ready to send?
Paste your CV to get its exact word count, an estimated A4 page length and a practical editing plan based on current UK guidance.
Runs in your browserWord and page estimateResult-specific actions
Interpret the number
Relevance decides the right length.
A word count can identify an unusually thin or dense draft, but it cannot decide whether the content earns its place. Use the result as an editing trigger, then judge each line against the vacancy.
Most professionals
Two pages is the common UK standard, with the strongest and most relevant evidence on page one.
Specialist exceptions
Academic, research and some medical CVs can run longer because publications and specialist sections add necessary detail.
Evidence checked
The guidance behind the result.
The University of Edinburgh calls two pages standard for UK CVs. Reed reports that 91% of recruiters in its survey selected two pages as ideal and says most two-page CVs contain roughly 700 to 1,000 words. The University of Reading advises one or two complete pages and identifies longer academic CVs as an exception.
WorkCV's 300–800 word bands and 400-word page estimate are editorial guidance, not official limits. Formatting and employer requirements take priority.
Research reviewed 28 June 2026.
FAQ
UK CV length questions.
How long should a UK CV be?+
One or two complete A4 pages is a practical general range. Two pages is common for experienced applicants, while one page can work for school leavers, students, recent graduates or anyone with limited relevant experience. Follow a specific employer instruction when one is provided.
How many words should a two-page CV contain?+
There is no official word limit. Reed says most two-page CVs fall between roughly 700 and 1,000 words. WorkCV uses 300 to 800 words as a concise general guide and estimates one page per 400 words, but layout choices can substantially change the actual page count.
Is a one-page CV too short in the UK?+
Not automatically. A complete, relevant one-page CV can suit a school leaver, student, recent graduate or applicant with limited experience. It can also suit sectors that explicitly prefer one page. Do not pad a CV merely to reach two pages.
Can a CV be longer than two pages?+
Sometimes. Academic, research, medical and some senior specialist CVs may need additional sections such as publications, teaching, grants or clinical work. General commercial applications usually benefit from tighter editing unless the employer requests more detail.
Does WorkCV save the CV text I paste?+
No. The length calculation runs in your browser. The pasted text is not uploaded or saved by this tool.