If there's one thing I've noticed working with dissertation students it's that the lit review is always the chapter that causes the most unnecessary stress — especially around length. So let me just answer it plainly: how long should a literature review be in a 10,000 word dissertation is one of the most searched questions this time of year and the answer is 2,000 to 3,000 words. That 20–30% range gives you enough room to critically engage with the field, map the key debates, and build a clear case for why your research needs to exist.
What I always remind students is that hitting 3,000 words of padding is way worse than a sharp 2,200 that actually does the job. Every paragraph should move the argument forward — if it doesn't, cut it. Structure it like a funnel, go from broad context down to your specific gap, and you'll land in a much stronger place than most of your cohort