Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Use case | Example string | Suggested limit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer reference | INV-1042 | ACME OPS | FEB-2026 | PO-7718 | 140 characters | Over-limit narratives may be truncated or rejected. |
| SWIFT formatted line | BENEF: ACME LTD; REF: INV-1042 | 35 characters/line | Line-based tags often enforce strict limits. |
| Invoice memo | Paid via wire. Ref ACME-OPS-2026-02. Includes expedited handling. | 255 characters | ERP memo fields can silently cut off excess text. |
| Payment description | Settlement for services rendered; contract C-8892; includes tax adjustments and discount terms. | 500 characters | Long descriptions benefit from standardization checks. |
Formula Used
- Characters: mb_strlen(text) after normalization (UTF‑8 safe).
- Bytes: strlen(text) for encoded size (useful for file exports).
- Words: Unicode pattern matches for letter/number tokens.
- Unique words: distinct set of tokens (optionally case-insensitive).
- Lines: number of \n line breaks plus one (if not empty).
- Sentences: split on . ! ? boundaries and line breaks.
- Digits/Letters/Spaces: regex counts using \d, \p{L}, and literal spaces.
- Keyword occurrences: regex match count, optionally case-insensitive and whole-word.
- Limit check: remaining/over = max_chars − characters.
How to Use This Calculator
- Pick Single text for one note, or List for many lines.
- Select a finance preset to auto-fill a common limit.
- Optionally set a keyword (like INV or Ref).
- Enable cleanup options to reduce extra spaces in exports.
- Click Calculate to see results above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF for reporting.
Why character limits matter in finance fields
Most payment and ledger systems store narratives in fixed fields. Common caps include 35 characters per SWIFT tag line, 140 for transfer references, 255 for memo notes, and 500 for long descriptions. This calculator flags overages and shows remaining characters so entries are not truncated in downstream postings. It also reports byte size, which can rise when currency symbols are stored in UTF‑8.
Building cleaner payment narratives
Extra spaces, copied line breaks, and inconsistent punctuation inflate counts and create reconciliation noise. Enabling “collapse spaces” can shrink a reference without changing meaning, while “trim lines” removes hidden leading and trailing characters. Use the characters, bytes, line count, and punctuation totals to standardize formats before exporting to a bank portal.
Auditing references with keyword counts
Keyword counting helps validate that required tokens appear, such as INV, PO, VAT, or a cost center code. Choose case-insensitive matching for operational checks, or whole-word matching to avoid partial hits (for example, “REF” inside “PREFERRED”). Pair keyword hits with digit and letter counts to detect missing numbers in invoice identifiers. For example, set the keyword to “INV” and confirm one hit per line, then verify the character limit stays positive before sending the payment today.
Batch review for invoices and memos
List mode processes one string per line and produces a per-string table with characters, words, digits, letters, punctuation, and keyword hits. This is useful when reviewing multiple invoices, vendor notes, or journal descriptions at once. The summary totals describe the combined input, while the table highlights outliers that exceed limits. The chart makes it easy to spot the longest line at a glance.
Export-ready reporting for controls
CSV export supports quick sorting, filtering, and audit sampling. The PDF export produces a lightweight record for approvals and attachment to close documentation. Combine limit checks with top-word frequency to identify repeated terms, remove filler, and keep narratives consistent across teams and periods. Consistent templates also improve searchability during audits.
FAQs
1) What counts as a “word” in the results?
Words are detected as Unicode letter or number tokens. That means invoice IDs, account numbers, and codes are counted, while most punctuation is excluded.
2) Why do characters and bytes differ?
Characters are what you see. Bytes reflect storage size in UTF‑8, where some symbols can take multiple bytes. This matters when systems enforce byte-based limits.
3) How does keyword counting help in finance workflows?
It confirms required tokens exist in narratives, such as INV, PO, or VAT. Use whole-word matching to avoid accidental partial matches inside longer words.
4) When should I use List mode?
Use List mode when you have many references, memos, or journal lines. You get a per-line table, plus exports for sorting, filtering, and review.
5) Can I check if my text fits a limit?
Yes. Enter a character limit or choose a preset. The calculator shows whether you are within the limit and how many characters remain or exceed it.
6) Will my data be stored?
The calculator keeps the last result only for generating downloads in your current session. It does not write your text to a database by default.