Character Counter
Count characters with and without spaces, plus checks against common platform limits.
How to use this tool
- Select your file, drag it onto the box above.
- Processing starts automatically — there is nothing to configure.
- Check the result panel, which shows the original size, the final size and the page count.
- Click Download to save it.
Character limits differ in what they count. Most systems count UTF-16 units, but some — X among them — count code points, so an emoji counts as one character rather than two. Both figures are shown.
The specification
| Characters | Total including spaces |
|---|---|
| Without spaces | Excludes all whitespace |
| Code points | How X and some platforms count |
| UTF-8 bytes | What size limits usually measure |
| Limit checks | Meta description 160, title tag 60, SMS 160 |
How it works
This tool runs entirely in your browser. There is no server involved, which means nothing you type or upload is transmitted, stored, or logged — and there are no usage limits, because there is nothing for us to ration.
You can confirm it yourself: open your browser's developer tools, select the Network tab, and use the tool. No request is made.
Who uses this
Writing meta descriptions and title tags, staying inside social character limits, and checking SMS message length before sending.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between characters and code points?
Most emoji and some scripts occupy two UTF-16 units but represent a single character. Platforms that count code points treat them as one. The two figures differ only when such characters are present.
What is the meta description limit?
Google truncates around 155–160 characters on desktop, less on mobile. There is no hard limit; the tool flags 160 as a practical guide.
Why does SMS split at 160?
A standard SMS carries 160 GSM-encoded characters. Longer messages are split into segments and billed per segment.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Everything runs inside your browser on your own device. Your file is never transmitted and never stored by us. You can confirm this by opening your browser’s Network tab while you use the tool — you will see no upload request.
Is there a limit on how many files I can process?
No. There is no daily cap, no account, and no watermark. Because the work happens on your device rather than our servers, there is nothing for us to ration.
Is this tool really free?
Yes — no account, no trial, no watermark, and no cap on usage. It runs on your own device rather than our servers, so there is no cost for us to pass on.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The interface adapts to phone and tablet screens, and everything runs in the browser, so there is no app to install.
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Your files stay on your device. This tool runs entirely in your browser. No file is uploaded, transmitted, or stored. You can verify this by opening your browser's Network tab while using the tool.
Disclaimer. Specifications published by exam boards, governments and platforms change without notice. We verify and date every specification on this site, but you should always confirm against the official source before submitting an application. See our full disclaimer.