Twitter (X) Character Counter – 280 Limit

How X counts characters

X doesn’t simply count letters. A post can be up to 280 “characters”, weighted like this:

Every link counts as 23, however long or short it is, because X shortens it with t.co.
Emoji count as 2, including emoji with skin tones and combined emoji like families or flags.
Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters count as 2, as do most characters outside Latin and common punctuation.
Everything else counts as 1: letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation and line breaks.

The counter uses the same rules, so the number you see is the number X will use. With X Premium the limit is 25,000; tick the box to switch.

Put the point first. Only the first lines show in the feed before “Show more”.
Leave room for replies: a post well under the limit is easier to quote and repost.
Use one or two hashtags at most; more looks like spam.
Split long ideas into a thread rather than cramming them into one post.
Give a good post a push. Early likes and reposts help it reach more feeds.

What is the character limit on X (Twitter)?

280 for regular accounts and 25,000 with X Premium. Usernames in replies don’t count.

Why does a link count as 23 characters?

X shortens every link with its t.co service, so any link takes the same 23 characters.

Do emoji count as one character?

No. X counts each emoji as 2, even combined emoji like flags or families.

Do spaces and line breaks count?

Yes, each counts as 1.

Is my text saved?

No. The counter works in your browser; nothing is sent to us.