📱 About SMS Character Count Checker
Our FREE SMS Character Count Checker helps you compose PERFECT text messages! Get instant feedback on character count, message parts, and encoding type before you send.
📊 How GSM Messages Are Calculated
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the STANDARD encoding for SMS. Most regular text uses GSM encoding.
- ✓ Character Limit: 160 characters per message
- ✓ Multi-part Messages: After 160 characters, each additional 153 characters = 1 new message part
- ✓ Supported Characters: A-Z, 0-9, and common symbols like ! ? . , ' " - ( )
- ✓ Extended Characters: Characters like [ ] { } ~ € \ ^ | use TWO character spaces each
🌐 How Unicode Messages Are Calculated
Unicode encoding is used for messages containing SPECIAL CHARACTERS, emojis, accents, or non-Latin alphabets.
- ✓ Character Limit: 70 characters per message
- ✓ Multi-part Messages: After 70 characters, each additional 67 characters = 1 new message part
- ✓ Supported Characters: 😀 Emojis, accents (é, ñ, ü), Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, and MORE
- ✓ Why Fewer Characters? Unicode uses more data per character to support all world languages
✍️ How to Write SUCCESSFUL SMS Messages
🎯 Keep it SHORT
SHORTER messages = BETTER delivery rates and LOWER costs. Try to stay within 160 characters. Avoid rambling or unnecessary words.
🚫 Limit "Text-Speak"
While "c u l8r" saves characters, it looks UNPROFESSIONAL. Use proper spelling for business messages. Save text-speak for casual texting only.
⚡ Make it EXCITING
Use CAPITALS for important words. Add strategic punctuation. Make your MESSAGE stand out!
Example: "🎉 LIMITED OFFER - Save 50% TODAY! Use code SMS50"
🔤 Use CAPITALS For Important Information
HIGHLIGHT key details like discount codes, deadlines, or action items. Don't overuse - it gets annoying!
😊 Use Emojis (Sparingly)
One or two relevant emojis makes messages MORE engaging. But remember - they take up VALUABLE character space in Unicode mode! 🎯 Choose wisely.
💡 Pro Tips for Success:
- ✓ Test your message length BEFORE sending bulk SMS
- ✓ Include CLEAR CALL-TO-ACTION (click link, reply YES, etc.)
- ✓ Add URGENCY when appropriate ("TODAY ONLY!" or "LIMITED SPOTS")
- ✓ Personalize with NAMES when possible
- ✓ Keep TONE friendly and CONVERSATIONAL