Character Counter
Count characters, words, sentences and more in real time — with a reading-time estimate and an optional character-limit tracker.
Why count characters?
Character limits are everywhere — social posts, SMS messages, meta descriptions, ad headlines, form fields and academic word limits. This counter gives you the exact numbers as you type, so you can trim to fit without guessing. Set a target and watch the progress bar so you never get cut off mid-sentence.
Handy limits to remember
- SMS: 160 characters per single message segment.
- Meta description: aim for around 150–160 characters.
- Title tag: roughly 60 characters before truncation.
- Social posts: 280 is a common headline-length target.
Words vs. characters
A word is any run of non-space text, so this matches how most editors count. Characters include spaces and punctuation unless you read the "no spaces" figure. Sentences and paragraphs are detected from punctuation and blank lines, which makes them good estimates for prose.
Frequently asked questions
How are characters counted?
The counter reports every character you type, including spaces, punctuation and line breaks. The 'no spaces' figure excludes all whitespace. Emoji and accented letters are counted as single characters.
Can I track a character limit?
Yes. Enter a limit (for example 280 for a post, or 160 for an SMS) and the progress bar shows how many characters you've used and how many remain — turning red if you go over.
How is reading time calculated?
It estimates time at about 200 words per minute, the average adult silent reading speed. It's a guide, not an exact figure.
Is my text private?
Yes. All counting happens in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded or stored.