A counting device includes a set of memory cells, including multiple groups of the memory cells configured to store count words of a count code, which include a less significant word and a more significant word. A controller assigns first and second groups of the memory cells to store the less significant word and the more significant word. The controller increments the less significant word from an initial value up to a first limit in each plurality of successive first iterations and increments the more significant word from an initial value up to a second limit in each of a plurality of successive second iterations in response to reaching the first limit. Upon reaching the second limit, the controller makes a new assignment of the groups of the memory cells that are to store the less significant word and the more significant word.