Character Counter — Free Online Tool
Live character count with social media limit checks. · No signup · Works on mobile
100% private: your data is processed in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to our servers.
How to use the character counter
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Paste or type your text — the counters update on every keystroke.
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Watch the platform limit bars: green means you fit, red means trim needed.
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Use the without-spaces count for contests and forms that specify it.
What does this tool do?
This free character counter counts characters with and without spaces in real time — and checks your text against platform limits: X/Twitter (280), Instagram captions (2,200), SMS (160), meta descriptions (155–160), and title tags (60). Progress bars turn red the moment you exceed a limit.
How does the character counter work?
Characters are counted using Unicode code points, so emoji and accented letters count correctly. The platform checker compares your live count against each network's documented limit and shows remaining characters, exactly as the platforms themselves enforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the character limits for major platforms?
X/Twitter: 280 (25,000 for Premium). Instagram caption: 2,200, bio: 150. Facebook post: 63,206. LinkedIn post: 3,000. TikTok caption: 2,200. SMS: 160 (concatenated after that). Google title tag: ~60 displayed; meta description: ~155–160. YouTube title: 100.
Do emoji count as one character or more?
It depends on the platform. This counter counts Unicode code points, where most emoji are 1–2 points, but X/Twitter counts every emoji as 2 characters, and complex emoji (family, skin tones) are technically several joined code points. When close to a limit, leave a 2–4 character buffer per emoji.
Is the character counter really free?
Yes — 100% free with no hidden charges, trial limits, or premium tiers for core features. You don't need to create an account or enter an email address. The site is supported by non-intrusive display ads, which keeps every tool free for everyone.
Is my data private when using the character counter?
Completely. The character counter runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript — nothing you type or upload is sent to our servers. When you close the tab, your data is gone. This makes it safe for confidential documents, financial figures, and personal information.
Does the character counter work on mobile phones?
Yes. The character counter is built mobile-first and works on any phone or tablet with a modern browser — iPhone (Safari), Android (Chrome), and everything in between. The layout adapts to small screens, so buttons and inputs stay easy to tap on a 375px-wide display.
Do I need to install anything to use the character counter?
No. The character counter works directly in your web browser — no downloads, no extensions, no signup. Just open the page, use the tool, and get your result instantly. It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, and Android.