SMS length is not a simple character count: a single emoji or smart quote can flip the message to Unicode and halve how much fits in a segment.
SMS Character Counter detects the encoding, counts the way a carrier does, and shows the segment count and the characters left, so a message does not split into more parts than you expect.
How to use SMS Character Counter
- Paste your SMS text into the editor.
- Read the detected encoding, the segment count, and the characters left in the gauge.
- Remove any Unicode-only characters if you want to keep the message in GSM-7.
Use cases
- Writing a one-time passcode or alert that must stay in one segment.
- Checking an order or delivery update before it is sent in bulk.
- Trimming a marketing SMS to control the cost per message.
Good to know
A GSM-7 message fits 160 characters in one segment and 153 per part once it splits; a Unicode message fits 70 and 67. A few characters such as the euro sign or curly brackets take two units even in GSM-7, and any non-GSM character switches the whole message to Unicode.
Frequently asked questions
Why does adding one emoji shorten my SMS so much?
An emoji forces the whole message into Unicode, where a segment holds 70 characters instead of 160.
What are the 160 and 153 limits?
A single GSM-7 segment holds 160 characters; once a message splits, each part holds 153 because some space is used to join them. Unicode uses 70 and 67.
Does the counter show how many segments my message uses?
Yes. It shows the segment count and how many characters remain in the current segment.