SMS Segments are the building blocks of text messaging and the industry standard TextUs uses to track usage and billing. One message can be made up of one SMS Segment or several, depending on its length and content.
How SMS Segments are counted
A message up to 1120 bits in size is equal to one SMS Segment, as determined by receiving carriers. For messages with no special characters or emojis, this is usually 160 characters per SMS Segment. Messages larger than 1120 bits, or longer than 160 characters, count as multiple SMS Segments depending on how many characters are used.
When emojis or other special characters are used in a message, roughly 70 characters equal one SMS Segment. This is because the provider sends the message with a different encoding that lets the receiving device display the emoji. That encoding makes every character larger, including normal ones. So a message with an emoji needs to be 70 characters or fewer to stay within one SMS Segment. Emojis also typically count as two characters toward that 70-character limit.
Rich media such as images or GIFs also affects your count. An MMS message counts as 3 SMS Segments.
These rules follow the standards for segments set by major texting providers.
Sent and received SMS Segments
Starting November 1st 2026, both the SMS Segments you send and the SMS Segments you receive count toward your SMS Segment allowance. Received SMS Segments are counted the same way as sent ones, so a long reply or a reply with an image can count as more than one.
SMS Segments received before November 1st 2026 don't count toward your allowance.
To see your sent and received SMS Segments, go to Analytics > Billing. For details, see View your billing analytics.
For Bullhorn Messaging users
If you use Bullhorn Messaging, only the SMS Segments you send count toward your monthly allowance. For details, see View your billing analytics (Bullhorn Messaging).