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So… How Long Should a Literature Review Actually Be?

If you’ve ever sat staring at a blinking cursor wondering, “Okay but seriously… how long should a literature review be?” — welcome to the club. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most dissertations land somewhere between 2,000–6,000 words, depending on your level, topic, and uni guidelines. The real trick isn’t hitting a number — it’s covering the key studies, pointing out the gaps, and showing you actually understand the conversation in your field.

The funny part? Most students worry about word count way more than needed. What matters is flow, clarity, and making sure everything connects back to your research question. A good lit review shouldn’t feel like a book report — it should feel like you’re mapping out the terrain before starting your own journey. Focus on quality, keep it structured, and the right length usually follows naturally.