What is the longest of J.K. Rowling’s seven main Harry Potter novels by word count?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the longest of J.K. Rowling’s seven main Harry Potter novels by word count.

Published in 2003, the fifth novel is commonly estimated at about 257,000 words in its English edition. It expands the political and institutional side of the story, introducing the Ministry of Magic’s denial of Voldemort’s return and Dolores Umbridge’s appointment at Hogwarts. Harry also forms Dumbledore’s Army and experiences increasingly direct connections with Voldemort.

It is longer than Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which are also among the series’ largest books. Page counts can vary by edition, typography, and language, so word count is the more useful comparison for this question.

The novel was adapted into a 2007 film. The adaptation necessarily condenses many subplots, including the extended political conflict, school disciplinary scenes, and parts of Harry’s relationship with Sirius Black.