Text Message Length Calculator
This SMS character counter checks how many SMS characters your text message uses, how many SMS segments it may be split into, how many characters are remaining in the current segment, and whether your message uses GSM or Unicode encoding.
Paste or type your message above to calculate your SMS character count before sending it. This is useful for personal text messages, SMS marketing campaigns, web-based texting platforms, customer notifications, and any situation where message length matters.
SMS Character Limit: GSM vs Unicode
Most SMS messages use either GSM or Unicode encoding. A normal GSM text message can fit up to 160 characters in one SMS. If the message is longer than 160 characters, it is split into multiple SMS segments. Long GSM messages usually use 153 characters per segment.
If your message contains Unicode characters, such as many emojis, non-Latin characters, or certain special symbols, the limit is usually 70 characters for one SMS. Longer Unicode messages are usually split into 67-character segments.
| Encoding | Single SMS Limit | Multipart Segment Limit |
|---|---|---|
| GSM | 160 characters | 153 characters per segment |
| Unicode | 70 characters | 67 characters per segment |
Why Did My SMS Limit Drop From 160 to 70?
Your SMS limit may drop from 160 characters to 70 characters when your message contains a Unicode character. This often happens when you add an emoji, smart quote, accented character, non-Latin letter, or special symbol that is not part of the standard GSM character set.
For example, a simple message with only standard English letters may stay in GSM mode. But adding an emoji like 😊 can switch the message to Unicode mode, reducing the number of characters that fit into one SMS segment.
How SMS Segments Are Calculated
SMS segments are the individual message parts used to send a longer text. A message may look like one text to the sender and recipient, but it can still be billed or processed as multiple SMS segments depending on its length and encoding.
- A 160-character GSM message usually counts as 1 SMS segment.
- A 161-character GSM message is usually split into 2 SMS segments.
- A 70-character Unicode message usually counts as 1 SMS segment.
- A 71-character Unicode message is usually split into 2 SMS segments.
SMS Character Count Examples
| Example | Encoding | SMS Characters | SMS Segments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your code is 123456 | GSM | 19 | 1 |
| 160 standard GSM characters | GSM | 160 | 1 |
| 161 standard GSM characters | GSM | 161 | 2 |
| Message with 😊 | Unicode | Varies | May increase |
| 71 Unicode characters | Unicode | 71 | 2 |
How to Reduce SMS Segments
If your message is being split into too many SMS segments, try shortening the text, removing unnecessary words, replacing smart quotes with straight quotes, and removing emojis or special symbols that switch the message from GSM to Unicode.
For SMS marketing, remember to include required information such as opt-out instructions when needed. Text such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe” also counts toward your SMS character limit, so include it when calculating the final message length.
SMS Character Counter for Marketing Messages
SMS marketers often use a character counter before sending campaigns because a small change can affect the number of SMS segments. A message that looks short may become more expensive or more difficult to manage if it contains Unicode characters or passes the single-message limit.
Before sending a campaign, check the final version of the message, including links, coupon codes, personalization tags, brand names, disclaimers, and opt-out text. This SMS character counter can help you preview how long the message is and whether it may be split into multiple parts.
Related Text and Character Tools
If you need additional text metrics, try our main character counter, word counter, sentence counter, emoji counter, symbol counter, Twitter character counter, or Instagram character counter.
SMS Character Counter FAQ
What is an SMS character counter?
An SMS character counter is a tool that counts SMS characters in a text message and shows whether the message will fit into one SMS or be split into multiple SMS segments.
What is the SMS character limit?
A standard GSM SMS can contain up to 160 characters. If the message uses Unicode characters, the single-message limit is usually 70 characters.
Why does a 161-character SMS become two messages?
When a GSM SMS goes over 160 characters, it is split into multiple segments. Long GSM messages usually use 153 characters per segment because some space is used to join the segments together.
Why did my SMS limit drop from 160 to 70 characters?
Your SMS limit may drop from 160 to 70 characters if your message contains Unicode characters such as emojis, certain symbols, smart quotes, or non-Latin characters.
Do emojis count as SMS characters?
Yes. Emojis count as SMS characters and usually cause the message to use Unicode encoding, which can reduce the single-message limit from 160 characters to 70 characters.
Do spaces count in SMS character limits?
Yes. Spaces count toward the SMS character limit because they are part of the text message.
What are SMS segments?
SMS segments are the parts used to send longer text messages. A long message may appear as one message on a phone, but it can still be divided into multiple SMS segments behind the scenes.
What is GSM encoding?
GSM encoding is the standard character set used for many SMS messages. It supports common letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and some special characters.
What is Unicode SMS encoding?
Unicode encoding is used when an SMS contains characters outside the standard GSM set, such as many emojis, non-Latin characters, and certain special symbols.
Can this SMS counter help with business text messages?
Yes. This tool can help businesses, marketers, and customer support teams check SMS message length, segment count, encoding, and remaining characters before sending a text.