How-to guide · Campaigns
SMS Characters & Segments
Texts are sent and billed in segments: chunks of up to 160 characters. A short plain-text message is one segment. Longer texts, emoji and some symbols use more. Here’s how Statxt counts them, and how to keep your messages to one segment.
How it works
- 1
Clean up
Curly quotes, long dashes and similar characters become plain ones.
- 2
Pick the encoding
Plain text uses GSM-7. Any emoji or uncommon character switches to Unicode.
- 3
Count segments
GSM-7 fits 160 characters, Unicode 70. Longer texts are split.
- 4
Bill per segment
Each SMS segment uses 1 credit. A picture message is a flat 1.5 credits.
STEP 01
Know the two limits
Every text is sent in one of two character sets. GSM-7 covers standard letters, numbers and common punctuation. Unicode covers everything else, including emoji.
- GSM-7: up to 160 characters in one segment. Longer texts are split into parts of 153 characters each.
- Unicode: up to 70 characters in one segment, then parts of 67.
- One emoji switches the whole message to Unicode. Most emoji count as two characters.
- These GSM-7 symbols count as two characters: ^ { } \ [ ~ ] | €
STEP 02
Paste freely: Statxt cleans up common characters
Text pasted from documents and email often has typographic characters that would force Unicode. Statxt swaps them for plain versions before counting and sending.
- Curly quotes and apostrophes become straight ones.
- En and em dashes become a hyphen.
- An ellipsis character (…) becomes three dots, which adds two characters.
- Non-breaking spaces become normal spaces, and bullets (•) become asterisks.
STEP 03
Count the footer and merge fields in Text Blaster
The segment count in Text Blaster reflects the final message, including the opt-out footer Statxt adds to blasts when Append Opt-Out Footer is on (the default).
- The footer goes on its own line, so “Reply STOP to opt out.” adds 24 characters.
- A message that’s under 160 on its own can still need 2 segments once the footer is added.
- Merge fields like {first_name}, {sender_first_name} and {brand_name} change length for each recipient.
- Click Preview all to see the personalized message for every eligible contact.
STEP 04
Use Lock to 160 to leave room for the footer
Lock to 160 reserves space for the opt-out footer inside the 160-character limit, so you can see how much room your own words have.
- With the default footer, your limit drops to 136 characters.
- The character counter is highlighted when you go over.
- Lock to 160 applies to your template only. Merge fields can still make some recipients’ texts longer.
- Before you send, Statxt asks you to confirm when your message has merge fields or Lock to 160 is on.
STEP 05
Cap your 1:1 messages at 160
In Messages, the counter under the composer shows the segment count and which limit applies. To stop yourself from sending long texts, turn on the 160-character stop.
- The counter shows “160 limit” for plain text and “70 w/ emoji limit” for Unicode.
- It turns amber at 2 or more segments.
- Go to Settings → Profile, tick Stop manual messages at 160 characters, then click Save Changes.
- With it on, sends over 160 characters are refused, and the counter shows “160-char stop ON”.
STEP 06
Plan for links and pictures
Links and images change the math. Check the counter after adding either one.
- With Track clicks on, the segment count uses the short tracking link that replaces your URL at send time.
- Tracking links can be longer than your original URL, which can add a segment.
- A picture message (MMS) costs a flat 1.5 credits, no matter how long its text is.
- Plain SMS is 1 credit per segment, so a 2-segment text costs 2 credits.
Pro tips
Get more out of Characters & Segments
Skip the emoji in blasts
A single emoji cuts your limit from 160 to 70 characters. Across a big list, that can double your credit use.
Watch the double-count symbols
Brackets, braces, ~, |, ^, \ and € each count as two characters, even in plain text.
Leave room for the footer
Aim for 136 characters or fewer in blasts so the opt-out footer still fits in one segment.
Mind long merge values
A long name or brand in a merge field can push some recipients into a second segment. Preview before you send.
Keep links short
Put one link near the end and cut extra words around it. Every character counts toward the segment.
Check before big sends
Glance at the segment counter before you click Blast Message. One segment instead of two halves your credit use.
Common questions
What’s the difference between a message and a segment?
A message is the text you send. A segment is the unit carriers deliver and Statxt bills. A short plain-text message is one segment; longer texts are split into several.
Why did one emoji double my segment count?
An emoji switches the whole message to Unicode, which fits 70 characters per segment instead of 160. Most emoji also count as two characters.
Does the opt-out footer count toward segments?
Yes. Text Blaster includes the footer in its segment count. Turn on Lock to 160 to reserve room for it.
How much does a picture message cost?
A picture message (MMS) costs a flat 1.5 credits. Plain SMS is billed at 1 credit per segment.
Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Names, phone numbers, contacts, and stats in the illustrations are fictional examples.
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