According to Pa. R.A.P. 2135(a)(1), the maximum word count for briefs in ordinary appeals is 14,000 words, and for reply briefs, 7,000 words. This rule specifies other word counts for principal briefs in cross-appeals, and for briefs in criminal cases involving capital punishment. See Rule 2135(a) (2-4). Petitions for allowance of appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are limited to 9,000 words. The word count for amici curiae is half that of parties, unless a court orders otherwise.

These word count limits apply to both represented and pro se appellate litigants. See In re deLevie, 204 A.3d 505, 510-11 (Pa. Super. 2019); Commonwealth v. Spuck, 86 A.3d 870, 873 (Pa. Super. 2014). The Pennsylvania court system switched from page limits to word counts in 2013 because the former rule was too easily evaded by compressed text, excessive footnotes and computerized printing capabilities. See Commonwealth v. Roney, 79 A.3d 595, 645-46 (Pa. 2013) (Castille, C.J., concurring); Commonwealth v. Vurimindi, 200 A.3d 1031, 1041 (Pa. Super. 2018). A party seeking to exceed the word count limits is supposed to file an application requesting leave of court. See, Commonwealth v. Roane, 142 A.3d 79, 86 n.3 (Pa. Super. 2016) (granting application).