Live counts for the post (free account) (280), post (x premium) (25,000), bio (160) and display name (50), measured the way X counts them. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.
How to use the X character counter
- Pick the field
Choose what you are writing: post (free account), post (x premium), bio, display name, username (@handle) and direct message. Each field has its own X limit. - Type or paste
The count updates on every keystroke, using X's own counting rules for emoji and links. - Watch the limit bars
Each bar turns amber past 90% of the limit and red when you are over, with the exact number of characters to trim. - Check the hook
See the text that shows before X cuts the post.
X character limits in 2026
Because of the weighting, a post that looks like 250 characters can be over 280. One long link costs the same 23 as a short one, so shortening URLs saves nothing; using one link and placing it last does.
| Field | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Post (free account) | 280 | weighted count |
| Post (X Premium) | 25,000 | long posts show a Show more link |
| Bio | 160 | plain count |
| Display name | 50 | plain count |
| Username (@handle) | 15 | letters, numbers, underscores |
| Direct message | 10,000 | plain count |
How X counts characters
X uses weighted counting: every link costs 23 characters through t.co no matter its length, every emoji costs 2, and Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters cost 2 each.
Where X cuts a long post
On a free account a post can never pass 280 weighted characters, so the timeline shows it in full. X Premium posts can run to 25,000 characters, and those appear in the timeline as a short preview with a "Show more" link.
If you write long, the first lines carry the whole post: make the payoff land before "Show more". In threads and quote posts only the first line may show, so front-load the key message there too.
How to post more than 280 characters on X
You have two options. X Premium raises the limit to 25,000 characters, shown with a "Show more" preview. On a free account, split the text into a thread: break at the end of a complete idea, not wherever the count runs out, and leave room in each part for "2/7"-style labels.
The X thread maker splits a long draft into numbered posts under 280 weighted characters, keeping links whole.
The same text on other networks
One draft gets a different number on every network, because each one counts differently. Here is how the X limit compares.
| Network | Main limit | How it counts |
|---|---|---|
| Bluesky | 300 (post) | graphemes (emoji = 1) plus 3,000 bytes |
| Threads | 500 (post) | UTF-16 code units; links at full length |
| 3,000 (post) | UTF-16 code units; most emoji cost 2 | |
| Mastodon | 500 (post) | links 23, emoji 1, remote mentions as @name |
Finish polishing before you publish
- X Thread Splitter / Maker
- X Font Generator
- X Hook Generator
- X Engagement Rate Calculator
- X Best Time to Post
- All free X tools
- X growth
Your post is within every limit. Now get it seen.
A post that fits is ready to publish. Real likes and replies in the first hours are what carry it further on X.
Frequently asked questions
How many characters can you post on X?
280 weighted characters on a free account and up to 25,000 on X Premium.
How do links count on X?
Every link costs exactly 23 characters through t.co, whatever its real length.
Why does my post count higher than the letters I typed?
X weights emoji and Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters at 2 each and links at 23, and the counter applies the same weights.
What is the X bio limit?
160 characters. The display name takes 50 and the @handle 15.
Is my text uploaded anywhere?
No. The counter runs in your browser and nothing you type leaves the tab.
How do links and emoji count on X?
Every link costs 23 characters and every emoji 2.
How many characters can an X post have?
280 weighted characters on a free account, 25,000 on X Premium.
