X Character Counter
Count X characters with the platform's weighted rules, live as you type.
What is the X character limit?
The X character limit for a standard post is 280 characters. Paid X Premium accounts can post up to 25,000 characters in a single post, but the 280 limit still applies to anyone reading without an upgraded account, and replies still favour shorter posts in the algorithm.
This counter assumes the 280 limit because that is what the public X feed enforces and what threads are built around. If you are writing for the wider Premium length, you can ignore the threshold warnings.
How does X count characters?
X does not count characters as a simple string length. Most Latin characters count as one, but many CJK characters such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean count as two each. Emoji typically count as two. Mentions and hashtags count by the letters they contain.
Links are the trickiest part. Every link counts as exactly 23 characters regardless of how long or short the actual URL is. A two-character bit.ly link still counts as 23. A 200-character tracking URL also counts as 23. This counter applies that same rule live as you type.
Why your post looks shorter than the count
If your text looks like 200 visible characters but the counter says 240, you almost always have a link in it. The link is being counted as 23 even though it visually takes less space than that. The other common cause is emoji, which count as two even though they are one glyph.
The counter on this page shows you remaining characters in real time so you can spot the problem and trim before posting.
How to split a long post into a thread
When your text goes over 280 characters, the simplest split is to break at the nearest sentence end before the limit, then continue in a reply. Number each post (1/3, 2/3, 3/3) so readers know there is more, and keep the first post strong enough to stand on its own.
The counter shows you how many posts your text would take as a thread, so you can see the shape of the thread before you start splitting manually.
Tips for writing under the X character limit
Cut filler words first. Phrases like "I think", "just", "really", and "in order to" can almost always go without changing meaning. Strong posts read tight on first try, not after a deletion pass.
If you are still over by 30 characters, look at your link. Shortening with a tracker does nothing because every link counts as 23 anyway. Removing the link entirely is the only way to get those characters back.
Frequently asked questions.
How many characters can a tweet have?
A standard X post is 280 characters. X Premium accounts can post up to 25,000 characters per post, but most engagement still happens at or under the 280 limit.
How does X count links and images?
Every link counts as exactly 23 characters regardless of the URL's actual length. Images and videos do not consume any characters from the 280 limit, only the caption text does.
Why is my tweet over the limit when the text looks short?
Almost always because a link, emoji, or CJK character is consuming more than its visible width. Links are 23 each, emoji are typically 2, and characters in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean count as 2 each.
Can paid X accounts post longer?
Yes. X Premium subscribers can post up to 25,000 characters in a single post. Non-Premium readers will still see the post in full, but feed engagement skews heavily toward shorter posts.
How do I write a thread on X?
Write your full text, split it into chunks of 280 characters or less at natural sentence breaks, then post each chunk as a reply to the previous one. The counter here shows you how many posts your text would take as a thread.
Is the character limit different for replies?
No. Replies follow the same 280-character limit as standalone posts. The @mentions at the start of a reply do count toward the limit, which is why long reply chains feel tighter than top-level posts.
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