Understanding SMS Character Limits
A standard SMS is limited to 160 characters. Exceeding this threshold may result in additional costs, delivery complications, and a diminished customer experience.
GSM-Encoded SMS: 160 Characters
SMS messages encoded in GSM, the standard format for Latin letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and certain special characters (e.g., ! or ?), have a maximum length of 160 characters, including spaces.
If a message exceeds 160 characters, it will be split into segments of 153 characters each (concatenated messages). For instance, a 180-character SMS will be sent as two parts: one with 153 characters and another with 27 characters.
Unicode SMS: 70 Characters
Using even one character outside the GSM set—such as a Chinese or emoji character—converts the message to Unicode (UCS), reducing the character limit to 70. Messages exceeding 70 characters will be divided into segments of 67 characters.
For example, an 80-character Unicode message will be sent in two parts: one containing 67 characters and another with 13 characters.
Cost Implications of Exceeding the Limit
While mobile phones often display concatenated messages as a single text, each segment is billed separately. For example, a 165-character GSM message will incur charges for two segments—one for 153 characters and another for the remaining 12. The same rule applies to Unicode messages, which are charged per 67-character segment.
To check your SMS length and determine the number of segments, you can use the Netmill platform in the SMS sending section. The tool will automatically calculate the character count and segment breakdown for you. Examples of how this works can be seen in the image below.
Can You Extend SMS Limits?
Unfortunately, the character limits for a single SMS cannot be bypassed. To maximize ROI and ensure smooth communication, it’s best to stay within these constraints. Sending longer messages may lead to higher costs, fragmented delivery, and potential customer dissatisfaction.
Adhering to the limits also encourages concise, focused messaging, helping you deliver only the most relevant information to your audience. This approach streamlines communication and enhances customer satisfaction.
