How Long Should a Dissertation Literature Review Be?

One of the most common questions students ask during their dissertation journey is: “How long should my literature review be?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a good rule of thumb is that your literature review should make up around 20%–30% of your total dissertation word count.

For example, if your dissertation is 10,000 words, your literature review will typically range between 2,000 and 3,000 words. The exact length depends on your research scope, the complexity of your topic, and how much previous work you need to analyze.

Remember, your literature review isn’t just a summary of sources — it’s a critical analysis that builds the foundation for your study. Keep it focused, relevant, and engaging. Quality, not quantity, is what makes your review stand out!