WordPress Help Articles

Updated: February 23, 2025

For WordPress site administrators, tracking content distribution across different post types can be crucial for effective content management. The Total Posts by Type plugin is a simple yet powerful tool that allows website owners to view the total number of published posts for each post type directly from their dashboard. This WordPress post count plugin is designed to enhance efficiency, ensuring that users have quick access to important content insights without needing technical expertise.

What is the Total Posts by Type Plugin?

The Total Posts by Type plugin is a lightweight WordPress tool that provides a breakdown of published posts categorized by type. Whether you’re managing a blog, a portfolio site, or an e-commerce store, this plugin offers a centralized view of content distribution, helping administrators make informed decisions.

Unlike other post management tools that require multiple clicks to access post statistics, this plugin delivers a simplified, one-click solution within the WordPress admin panel.

Key Features of the WordPress Post Count Plugin

1. Quick Post Count Overview – Once installed and activated, the plugin displays a detailed breakdown of all post types, including standard blog posts, pages, custom post types, and more.
2. Easy Dashboard Access – The plugin adds a new menu item labeled “Post Type Counts” in the WordPress admin sidebar, making it easy for users to access post statistics without searching through different sections.
3. No Coding Required – Unlike manual solutions that involve modifying the functions.php file, this plugin eliminates the need for coding knowledge. It offers a plug-and-play experience, making it suitable for beginners and professionals alike.
4. Compatibility with All Themes and Plugins – The Total Posts by Type plugin is built to work with any WordPress theme or plugin without causing compatibility issues. Whether you use a custom-built theme or a popular one from the WordPress repository, this tool integrates smoothly.
5. Lightweight and Performance-Friendly – Many WordPress plugins add unnecessary bloat, slowing down websites. However, this plugin is optimized for performance, ensuring minimal impact on site speed.

How to Install and Use the Plugin

• Step 1: Download and Install
  • Download the Total Posts by Type plugin here.
  • In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New and click Upload Plugin.
  • Select the downloaded file and click Install Now.
• Step 2: Activate the Plugin
  • After installation, click Activate to enable the plugin.
  • A new menu item labeled “Post Type Counts” will appear in the admin panel.
• Step 3: View Post Type Counts
  • Click on “Post Type Counts” from the WordPress sidebar.
  • A summary table will display the total number of posts for each post type, including custom post types.

Alternative Manual Method

For developers who prefer a code-based solution, the same functionality can be achieved by adding the following snippet to the functions.php file of a child theme:

function viawebs_post_types_counts() {
    $post_types = get_post_types(['public' => true], 'objects');
    $total_count = 0;
    $output = '';
    foreach ($post_types as $post_type) {
        $count = wp_count_posts($post_type->name)->publish;
        $total_count += $count;
        $output .= "Total " . $post_type->labels->name . ": " . $count . "<br>";
    }
    $output .= "<br><strong>Total Counts Of All Post Types: " . $total_count . "</strong>";
    return $output;
}

function viawebs_add_post_count_admin_page() {
    add_menu_page(
        'Post Type Counts',
        'Post Type Counts',
        'manage_options',
        'vw-post-type-counts',
        'viawebs_display_admin_page'
    );
}

function viawebs_display_admin_page() {
    echo '<div class="wrap"><h1>Post Type Counts</h1>';
    echo viawebs_post_types_counts();
    echo '</div>';
}

add_action('admin_menu', 'viawebs_add_post_count_admin_page');

This function retrieves the total count of published posts for each post type. However, for users who want a hassle-free experience, installing the Total Posts by Type plugin is the recommended approach.

Why Use a WordPress Post Count Plugin?

• Saves Time: Instead of manually counting posts, get instant insights with a single click.
• Improves Content Management: Easily track post distribution and identify underutilized post types.
• Enhances Efficiency: Perfect for large websites with multiple content types.
• Beginner-Friendly: No need to edit theme files or write custom code.
• SEO Benefits: Knowing post counts can help in structuring and optimizing content strategy.

The Total Posts by Type plugin is an essential tool for any WordPress administrator who needs a simple yet effective way to monitor content distribution. Whether you run a blog, a business site, or an online store, this WordPress post count plugin provides quick insights to enhance content strategy. With an easy installation process and a user-friendly dashboard, it’s a must-have for those who prioritize efficient content management.