Why Text Messages are Limited to 160 Characters
Why are text messages limited to 160 characters? It’s a question for the ages. In a recent article from the Los Angeles Times, we’re given an interesting insight into where that magical number came from.
Here’s a quick excerpt from the article:
“As he went along, Hillebrand counted the number of letters, numbers, punctuation marks and spaces on the page. Each blurb ran on for a line or two and nearly always clocked in under 160 characters.
That became Hillebrand’s magic number — and set the standard for one of today’s most popular forms of digital communication: text messaging.” Article continued here…
So, what do you think, is 160 characters enough for the text messages you send?
3 Responses to “Why Text Messages are Limited to 160 Characters”
Yes, 160 characters is plenty, but requiring people who don’t have internet access on their phones to check a website to receive a message is ridiculous.
By Grumble on May 6, 2009
Most of the time, but there are definitely times when it cuts me off mid-sentence. I don’t think there should be a limit.
By Lise on May 7, 2009
@Grumble I agree, 160 seems to be plenty for me. To address your comment, the text acts as an alert to message online, which is much more efficient than an email that goes unseen for days at a time.
By Andrew Dumont on May 7, 2009