How Long Should Literature Review Be?

#1 · enero 6, 2026, 11:01 am

How long should literature review be is one of the most common questions students ask when starting academic writing. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your degree level and overall word count.

For undergraduate work, a literature review is usually shorter and more focused, while for master’s and PhD research, it needs to be more detailed, critical, and well-structured. That’s why understanding how long should literature review be really comes down to understanding your research scope.

Instead of obsessing over exact numbers, focus on relevance, depth, and critical analysis. A strong literature review isn’t about length—it’s about showing you understand the field and where your research fits.