diff --git a/beetsplug/web/__init__.py b/beetsplug/web/__init__.py
index 15ef9642a..8b43d9659 100644
--- a/beetsplug/web/__init__.py
+++ b/beetsplug/web/__init__.py
@@ -73,6 +73,12 @@ def all_items():
     all_ids = [row[0] for row in rows]
     return flask.jsonify(item_ids=all_ids)
 
+@app.route('/item/count')
+def iten_count():
+    with g.lib.transaction() as tx:
+        rows = tx.query("SELECT COUNT(*) FROM items")
+    return flask.jsonify({'itemcount': rows[0][0]})
+
 @app.route('/item/<int:item_id>/file')
 def item_file(item_id):
     item = g.lib.get_item(item_id)