SMS message character counter
A single SMS segment fits 160 GSM-7 characters in 140 bytes, which is why plain Latin texts have the familiar limit. Add emoji, smart quotes, or non-GSM characters and the message may switch to Unicode, dropping a single segment to 70 characters and making longer texts split into billable parts.
SMS message character limit
SMS has a 160-character single-segment limit under GSM-7 encoding; Unicode characters can reduce capacity sharply.
Examples
Counts use plain character lengthReminder: your dental appointment is Thu 2:30 PM. Reply C to confirm or call 555-0144 to reschedule.
Reminder: your dental appointment is Thu 2:30 PM at North Clinic. Reply C to confirm or call 555-0144 to reschedule at least 24 hours before your visit.
Your order is ready for pickup at Market St. Bring photo ID and show this message at the counter.
Your order is ready for pickup at Market St. Bring photo ID, show this message at the counter, and collect before 8 PM today to avoid cancellation.
SMS character limit FAQ
- How many characters are allowed in SMS?
- SMS has a 160-character limit.
- Why does SMS message have a character limit?
- SMS has a 160-character single-segment limit under GSM-7 encoding; Unicode characters can reduce capacity sharply.
- Do spaces count toward the SMS limit?
- Yes, spaces count toward character limits on all major platforms.
- What happens if I exceed the SMS limit?
- The platform usually rejects the message or truncates it. Use the counter above to stay safely under 160 characters.