The typical number of sentences in a paragraph ranges from about 3 to 5 sentences, with 5 often being considered the maximum for clarity and reader comprehension. However, paragraphs can be shorter or longer depending on the writing style, medium, audience, and purpose. For example, academic writing often has 4 to 6 sentences, journalism tends to have 1 to 2 sentences, and digital content may use 1 to 3 sentences to improve readability. Ultimately, a paragraph should be as long as it needs to be to develop a single idea clearly and effectively, but usually not exceeding about 5 to 6 sentences to avoid overwhelming the reader. There is no strict rule, but balancing clarity and engagement is key.