SMS character counter
A text message can be 160 characters. Type or paste and watch what is left, with a warning when you go over.
A single SMS holds 160 characters from the GSM-7 alphabet. One emoji, a curly quote or an accented letter outside that alphabet switches the whole message to Unicode, dropping the limit to 70. Longer messages are split into segments of 153 or 67 characters, and this counter shows how many.
The count follows SMS's own rules, described above, so the number you see here is the number the app will show. Nothing you type leaves the page.
How to sMS character counter
- Type or paste. The counter is preset to the SMS limit. Your draft is kept in this browser so a reload does not lose it.
- Watch the bar. It fills as you write and turns red when you pass the limit.
- Trim and copy. Copy the text straight into the app.
Why use myowntext for this
Nothing is uploaded
Text is processed by your browser. There is no server, so contracts, cover letters and private notes never travel anywhere.
Instant, even offline
Every result appears as you type. Once a page has loaded it keeps working without a connection.
Shows its work
Counts, highlights and reports tell you exactly what was found and what changed. Nothing is hidden behind a spinner.
No account, no limits
Free with no sign-up, no word cap, no ads and no nag to upgrade.
Questions people ask
What is the SMS character limit?
160 characters for a text message. A single SMS holds 160 characters from the GSM-7 alphabet. One emoji, a curly quote or an accented letter outside that alphabet switches the whole message to Unicode, dropping the limit to 70. Longer messages are split into segments of 153 or 67 characters, and this counter shows how many.
Do spaces count?
Yes. Every character including spaces and line breaks counts towards the limit, which is how the platforms count.
Is my draft saved?
It is kept in your browser's local storage on this device only, so you can come back to it. Clear removes it. Nothing is uploaded.