How this calculator works
- Step 1Find the blocksLinesHeadings, lists, quotes, code and tables, line by line.
- Step 2Format the textInline marksBold, italic, code and links inside each block.
- Step 3Build it safelyNo raw HTMLEverything you type is shown as text, never run.
Markdown is a plain-text way to write formatted documents. It is used in README files, GitHub, chat apps and many note tools.
Worked example: one line of Markdown
Each mark becomes one HTML element.
- Markdown
Plan for **3 days** in *Rishikesh*.
- **3 days**<strong>3 days</strong>
- *Rishikesh*<em>Rishikesh</em>
- A blank line ends the paragraph<p> … </p>
- HTML<p>Plan for <strong>3 days</strong> in <em>Rishikesh</em>.</p>
Reading the result
- PreviewHow it readsFormatted as it would appear in a document.
- HTMLCopy the codeClean HTML with every text value escaped.
- No scripts<script> shows as text: <p><script>alert(1)</script></p>
- Safe links onlyhttp, https, mailto and page links; javascript: is removed.
- No remote imagesImages are not loaded, so nothing tracks you.
- Stays localYour text is never uploaded or stored.
Related writing tools
Markdown is plain text with light formatting. Counting and tidying text are related jobs.
To check length and reading time, use the word counter. The case converter changes headings to title case, and the slug generator makes a URL from a title.
Common mistakes
Mistake: Starting a list right after a paragraph line.
Instead: Leave a blank line before the list in most editors.
Mistake: Indenting nested list items by one space.
Instead: Indent by two or more spaces under the parent item.
Mistake: Expecting raw HTML to render.
Instead: Use Markdown syntax; many sites strip HTML too.
Read how we test our calculators, or browse more developer tools.