Use the counter above to check your tweet against the 280-character limit in real time. The stat cards update as you type, so you can trim your post before X cuts it off.
Twitter (X) Character Limits in 2026
| Field | Limit |
|---|---|
| Tweet / post | 280 characters (free accounts) |
| Post with X Premium | 25,000 characters |
| Bio | 160 characters |
| Display name | 50 characters |
| Username (handle) | 15 characters |
| Direct message | 10,000 characters |
Limits verified as of July 2026. Platforms change limits occasionally — if you spot one that moved, let us know.
How X Counts Characters
- Links always count as 23 characters. Every URL is wrapped by the t.co shortener, so a 100-character link and a 30-character link both use exactly 23 characters.
- Most emoji count as 2 characters, even though they display as one symbol.
- Mentions and hashtags count in full — @username and #hashtag use one character per letter, including the @ and # signs.
Tips for Staying Under the Limit
- Write your full thought first, then cut filler words — you will usually save 20–40 characters without losing meaning.
- If a post will not fit, a thread almost always performs better than cramped abbreviations.
- Keep replies shorter than the original post; short, punchy replies get more engagement.
Does the 280-character limit include spaces?
Yes. Spaces, punctuation, line breaks, and symbols all count toward the limit, which is why a character counter is more useful than a word counter for X.
Why does X say my tweet is too long when my count looks fine?
Usually emoji (2 characters each) or a pasted link that has not been shortened yet. Check the character stat above — it counts everything, including spaces and symbols.
👉 Need to count more than tweets? Try the free WordCountly word counter