Twitter character counter
Count a tweet the way X counts it. Links count as 23, emoji and many non Latin characters count as 2, and anything over 280 can become a thread.
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- Links
- 1 × 23
- Emoji
- 1 × 2
- Other characters that count 2
- 0
X Premium subscribers can post longer text, up to 25,000 characters by X's own description. Everyone else, and the timeline preview, works to 280.
How the X counter works
- It uses twitter-text, the open source library X publishes for counting posts.
- Every link is counted as 23 characters, whatever its real length, because X wraps it in a t.co link.
- Emoji, Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters and styled Unicode letters count as 2 each. The breakdown shows how many of each you have.
- If the text runs over 280, split it into a numbered thread with one click.
The X character limit, and how it is counted
A standard post on X can hold 280 characters. X counts them with weights: most letters, numbers and punctuation count as 1, while emoji and CJK characters count as 2.
Links always count as 23 characters. A short link and a very long one cost the same.
X Premium subscribers can write longer posts, and X states they can run up to 25,000 characters. This counter measures against the standard 280, which is what everyone else can post and what fits in the timeline without a show more link.
Sources
- X developer docs: Counting characters (280 limit, links count 23, emoji count 2)
- twitter-text, X's open source counting library
- X Help Center: About X Premium (longer posts)
Checked on 30 September 2026. Platforms change their limits; check the source if you are close to one.
Questions
What is the X (Twitter) character limit?
280 characters for a standard post. X Premium subscribers can post longer text.
Why does my link count as 23 characters?
X shortens every link with t.co, so each link costs 23 characters no matter how long you typed it.
Why do emoji count as 2?
X weights characters. Emoji and characters from scripts such as Chinese, Japanese and Korean count as 2, so a post in those scripts fits about half as many characters.
Does bold or italic text count more?
Yes. Styled Unicode letters sit outside the ranges X counts as 1, so each one counts as 2.
Related free tools
- XTwitter thread makerPaste long text, get a numbered thread, every part under 280 with a copy button.→
- XTwitter bold textBold, italic and other fonts for tweets, with the real X character cost.→
- LinkedInLinkedIn character counterCount against the 3,000 post limit, the headline and About limits, and the fold.→
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