SMS character limits and special characters
Understand SMS character limits, special characters and how they can affect the number of SMS messages used.
The number of characters in an SMS affects how many SMS messages are used. The limits below are determined by SMS technology and mobile networks, not by Vensa.
Standard characters
When a message uses standard GSM characters, you can send up to 160 characters in one SMS. Longer messages are automatically split into multiple SMS parts.
| SMS messages | Character limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1–160 |
| 2 | 161–306 |
| 3 | 307–459 |
| 4 | 460–612 |
| 5 | 613–765 |
Special characters
Some characters, although they look normal, require Unicode encoding. This reduces the character allowance considerably:
| SMS messages | Character limit |
| 1 | 1–70 |
| 2 | 71–134 |
| 3 | 135–201 |
| 4 | 202–268 |
| 5 | 269–335 |
This means a message that fits into one SMS using standard characters could require two or more SMS if a special character triggers Unicode encoding.
Common characters to replace
| Avoid | Use instead |
’ |
' |
– |
- |
… |
... |
Emojis and many other special or non-standard characters can also trigger Unicode encoding.
Keeping SMS costs predictable
Use standard keyboard characters where possible, particularly when copying text from Word, websites or other formatted applications.
These limits and associated SMS charges are determined by the underlying SMS network and encoding — they are not limits imposed by Vensa.
If you are unsure why a message is being counted as multiple SMS, we are happy to help investigate.