# SMS Character Counter

Count characters, detect encoding, and optimize your SMS messages. Real-time analysis for GSM-7 and Unicode with message segment calculator.

Type or paste your SMS messageShow Templates

## Understanding SMS Character Limits

SMS messages have different character limits depending on the encoding used. Understanding these limits helps you craft effective messages that don't get split unnecessarily or trigger higher costs.

### GSM-7 Encoding

- **160 characters** per single message
- **153 characters** per segment (multi-part)
- Supports basic Latin letters, numbers
- Common symbols: @ $ _ & . , ! ? : ; ' " ( )
- Escape characters (×2): ^  \[ ~ \] \| €
- Most cost-effective encoding

### Unicode (UCS-2) Encoding

- **70 characters** per single message
- **67 characters** per segment (multi-part)
- Required for emojis and special characters
- Supports all languages and scripts
- Even 1 emoji forces entire message to Unicode
- More expensive (smaller limit = more segments)

## SMS Marketing Statistics (2026)

98%  
Open rate for SMS messages  
90 sec  
Average response time to SMS  
45%  
SMS response rate vs 6% email  
81%  
Check texts within 5 minutes  
$21-71  
ROI per $1 spent on SMS marketing  
160  
Optimal character count (1 segment)

## SMS Best Practices for Review Requests

1. Keep it under 160 characters  
   Single-segment messages are more cost-effective and have better deliverability. Aim for 140-150 to leave room for personalization.

2. Always include opt-out instructions  
   Add "Reply STOP to opt out" at the end. This is legally required in the US and builds trust with recipients.

3. Personalize with names  
   Start with "Hi \[Name\]" to increase engagement by 29%. Personal messages feel less spammy and get better responses.

4. Send within 24 hours of service  
   Strike while the iron is hot. Customers are most likely to leave reviews immediately after their experience.

5. Use shortened URLs  
   Long review URLs waste precious characters. Use a URL shortener or placeholder like \[Link\] to save 20-30 characters.

6. Avoid excessive emojis  
   Even one emoji switches to Unicode encoding (70 char limit). Use them sparingly or skip them for review requests.

7. Time it right  
   Send between 10AM-12PM or 6-8PM on Tuesday-Thursday for best engagement. Avoid early mornings, late nights, and weekends.

8. Include your business name  
   Recipients should know who is texting. Always identify your business clearly, even if they have your number saved.

## Common SMS Mistakes to Avoid

### DON'T

- Use smart quotes ("\) instead of straight quotes ("\)
- Add multiple emojis (switches to Unicode)
- Forget opt-out instructions
- Send without personalization
- Exceed 3 message segments
- Use escape characters excessively (×2 cost)
- Send at inappropriate times

### DO

- Test messages before sending campaigns
- Use clear, concise language
- Include direct review links
- Identify your business clearly
- Keep it under 160 characters when possible
- Use this tool to optimize before sending
- A/B test different message variations

## Automate Your SMS Review Requests

Spokk helps you send personalized SMS review requests automatically after service completion. Increase your review volume by 10x.