This free Twitter character counter counts your tweet as you type against X's limits: 280 characters for a standard post, or 4,000 for X Premium. It counts the way X actually does, so every link is counted as 23 characters, and it shows your remaining count, word count and how many 280-character tweets a long post would need as a thread. Nothing is stored; it all runs in your browser.
Going over the limit is the fastest way to get a tweet cut off. This free Twitter character counter counts live as you type, shows exactly how many characters remain, and turns red the moment you pass the limit. Switch between the standard 280-character tweet and the 4,000-character X Premium limit with one tap.
It also counts like X really does: every link becomes a 23-character t.co URL, so a long link does not blow your count. Paste your draft, get it to fit, and post with confidence.
Key takeaways
- A standard tweet is 280 characters. X Premium raises it to 4,000 (and up to 25,000 in some cases).
- Every link counts as 23 characters, no matter how long the real URL is, because X shortens it to a t.co link.
- Emojis usually count as 2 characters, and some count as more, so they eat into your limit faster than letters.
- Over the limit? Keep it under 280 and split the rest into a thread. The counter shows how many tweets you need.
Why use this twitter character counter?
Counts like X
Links are counted as 23 characters, so your count matches what X will show.
280 and Premium
One tap switches between the 280 tweet limit and the 4,000 X Premium limit.
Live and clear
Character, remaining and word counts update instantly, with an over-limit warning.
Free and private
No signup. Your text never leaves your browser.
How to use it
- Pick your limit: Tweet (280) or X Premium (4,000).
- Type or paste your tweet in the box.
- Watch the character, remaining and word counts update live.
- Keep the link-counting option on so URLs count as 23 characters like X.
- If you go over 280, trim it or use the thread count to split it into tweets.
Twitter / X character limits (2026)
The counter handles the tweet limit, but X has a different limit for almost every field. Here is the full reference:
| Where | Character limit |
|---|---|
| Tweet (standard) | 280 |
| Tweet (X Premium) | 4,000 (up to 25,000 for some) |
| Link (t.co, any URL) | counts as 23 |
| Bio | 160 |
| Display name | 50 |
| Username (handle) | 15 |
| Direct message | 10,000 |
| Location | 30 |
How X counts characters
X does not simply count letters. A few rules change your real count:
- Links are 23 characters. Every URL is shortened to a t.co link, so a 90-character link still only costs 23. Keep the link option on above to see this.
- Emojis cost more. Most emojis count as 2 characters, and some (like flags or skin-tone variants) count as more.
- Some non-Latin scripts count as 1. Characters in languages like Chinese, Japanese and Korean are weighted, so a CJK tweet fits fewer visible characters.
- @mentions count normally. Unlike links, a mention counts every character, though replies do not always count the leading @name.
Over the limit? Make a thread
If your post is longer than 280 and you are not on X Premium, split it into a thread. Aim for a natural break every 250 or so characters to leave room for numbering like (1/4). The Tweets counter above shows how many 280-character tweets your text needs.
Popular use cases
- Fitting a tweet under the 280-character limit before posting.
- Writing a longer X Premium post and staying under 4,000.
- Planning a thread and splitting long text into tweets.
- Checking a bio (160), display name (50) or handle (15) length.
- Social media managers drafting tight ad copy and CTAs for X.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Twitter character limit?
A standard post on X is 280 characters. X Premium subscribers can post up to 4,000 characters, and in some cases 25,000. Bio is 160, display name 50 and username 15.
How does X count links in a tweet?
Every link is shortened to a 23-character t.co URL and counts as 23 characters, no matter how long the real URL is. Keep the link option on in the counter to match this.
Do emojis count as characters on Twitter?
Yes. Most emojis count as 2 characters, and some (flags, skin-tone and combined emojis) count as more, so they use up your limit faster than letters.
How many characters is an X Premium tweet?
X Premium raises the limit to 4,000 characters, and up to 25,000 for some accounts. Switch to the X Premium tab above to count against 4,000.
Can I still post more than 280 characters for free?
No. Without X Premium the limit is 280. For longer free content, break it into a thread of 280-character tweets.
Why is my count different from X?
Usually because of links or emojis. This tool counts links as 23 characters (like X) when the option is on, and shows raw length otherwise.
Is my tweet stored anywhere?
No. Counting happens entirely in your browser and nothing is saved or sent.
Is this Twitter character counter free?
Yes, completely free with no signup and no limits. Count as many tweets as you want.
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