A short story typically ranges from 1,000 to 7,500 words. However, the exact length can vary depending on the publication or context. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Flash fiction: Usually under 1,000 words (sometimes as short as 100-500 words)
• Short story: Around 1,000 to 7,500 words
• Novelette: Approximately 7,500 to 17,500 words
• Novella: About 17,500 to 40,000 words
• Novel: Over 40,000 words

If you’re writing a short story, aiming for 1,500 to 5,000 words is a good target for most literary magazines and competitions.