SMS Length Calculator – Count Characters & Segments with Emoji
Free SMS Length Calculator – instantly count characters, segments, and encoding (GSM-7 or Unicode) to avoid splits and reduce SMS marketing costs. This tool shows real-time SMS length, segment usage, and encoding type, with full support for emojis, Unicode, and special characters. Perfect for businesses and marketers who want to optimize campaigns, stay compliant with STOP/unsubscribe rules, and avoid unexpected charges. 100% browser-based, private, and easy to use — no data is ever sent or stored.
Tip: Emojis or special characters switch encoding to Unicode and reduce the per-SMS limit.
0 / 160 (GSM)
| Encoding | — |
|---|---|
| Characters | 0 |
| SMS Segments | 1 |
| Chars in last SMS | 0 |
| Max per SMS | 160 |
US compliance reminder
Include clear opt-out instructions in marketing texts (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”). Carriers expect immediate processing and a free confirmation reply.Frequently Asked Questions
Standard SMS messages use GSM-7 encoding and allow up to 160 characters. If your message contains Unicode or emojis, the limit drops to 70 characters per SMS.
When your text is longer than the character limit, mobile networks split it into smaller parts called segments. Each segment is billed like a full SMS. Long messages can therefore cost 2–3 times more than expected.
To avoid splitting, keep messages under 160 characters and use only GSM-7 characters. Even a single emoji or special character can switch your message to Unicode and reduce the limit to 70 characters, causing more splits.
This usually happens when your message contains hidden special characters (like smart quotes, symbols, or emojis). These trigger Unicode encoding, lowering the per-SMS limit and increasing total segments.
Yes. Emojis require Unicode encoding, reducing the limit from 160 to 70 characters per SMS. This means your message may use more segments, raising the cost — especially for bulk or marketing campaigns.
Longer or Unicode-encoded messages split into multiple segments, multiplying your sending cost. For bulk campaigns, this can significantly increase budget. Always check length before sending to keep costs predictable.
Stick to short, clear texts under 160 characters. Use GSM-7 compatible characters only. If branding requires emojis, plan for the extra cost and test messages with a length calculator before launching.
Yes. This tool shows real-time segment counts. Each segment is typically charged as one SMS credit by most providers, so you can estimate total cost before sending.
In the United States, marketing SMS messages must comply with CTIA and TCPA rules. Every campaign must allow recipients to opt out by replying with keywords such as “STOP,” “UNSUBSCRIBE,” “CANCEL,” “QUIT,” or “END.” Carriers require businesses to process these requests immediately and confirm with a free opt-out confirmation message (e.g., “You have unsubscribed and will no longer receive messages.”).
Yes. Best practice (and often required by carriers and laws) is to include clear opt-out instructions, such as “Reply STOP to unsubscribe.” This ensures compliance with US regulations and protects your business from penalties.
100% private. Everything runs locally in your browser — no messages are uploaded or stored. You can safely check marketing drafts or personal texts without data risk.
GSM-7 is the default encoding that allows 160 characters per message. Unicode (UCS-2) is used when you include emojis or special characters, but it lowers the limit to 70 characters per SMS.