# SMS Character Limits & Messaging Units

SMS charges are based on *messaging units*, not just the number of messages sent. These units depend on the type of characters used in your message:

**GSM (Standard characters)**

* Messages up to 160 characters = 1 message unit.
* Messages over 160 characters are split into **153-character** segments.
* Max total: \~1,600 characters (split across multiple units).

**Unicode (Special characters like emojis, non-Latin scripts)**

* Messages up to 70 characters = 1 message unit.
* Messages over 70 characters are split into **67-character** segments.
* Max total: \~737 characters (split across multiple units).

<figure><img src="https://167344003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsxN9AGLZMIc5C8dx3zU7%2Fuploads%2FNHBDq7VuqhXIrrO0Vb42%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=cd061cc6-ca3b-4b2c-a5fd-47e90fd1bca7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Note:** \
\
The number of messaging units is **clearly displayed on the UI before launching an SMS campaign**, so you can easily review expected charges before sending.
{% endhint %}