Messaging
SMS text message character limit
A single SMS text message holds up to 160 characters. If it includes emojis or certain special characters, the limit drops to 70.
SMS text message character counter
Paste your text to check it against the 160 character limit. It runs in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
Good to know
SMS text message facts
- Longer texts are split into parts. Each part then holds 153 characters, or 67 with emojis, because some space is used to join them.
- Bulk SMS services usually charge per part, so one emoji can double the cost of a message.
Tips
Writing a better SMS text message
- For marketing texts, stay under 160 characters and avoid emojis to keep it to one part.
- Watch for curly quotes pasted from a word processor. They can switch a message to the 70 character limit.
FAQ
SMS text message: common questions
What is the SMS text message character limit?+
A single SMS text message holds up to 160 characters. If it includes emojis or certain special characters, the limit drops to 70.
Do spaces and emojis count toward the SMS text message limit?+
Spaces count as one character. Emojis and characters outside the basic SMS alphabet switch the whole message to a different encoding, which cuts the limit from 160 to 70. A few symbols, such as the euro sign and square brackets, take up 2 spaces. The counter on this page shows which encoding applies.
What happens if an SMS text message is over 160 characters?+
The message is split into several parts. Most phones join them back together, but each part costs one SMS.
Limits last checked October 2026. Platforms change them from time to time, so check the SMS editor if a number looks off.
Other character limits
Counting words instead? Use the Word and Character Counter or see how many pages any word count fills.