Letter Moth

LinkedIn Connection Note Character Limit and How to Fit It

· 4 min read · By the Letter Moth team

The LinkedIn connection note character limit is commonly cited as about 300 characters for many accounts, and about 200 for some others, but it differs by account type and LinkedIn can change it at any time. The reliable way to know yours is the character counter shown in the note box.

Because the limit is small, a note has to earn its place. This guide explains how the limit varies, how to check it, how to fit a useful note into about 200 or 300 characters, and what to do when you need more space than the box allows.

Treat any number in a blog post, including this one, as a rough guide. LinkedIn's own interface is the source of truth.

Where character limits tend to differ (check the counter in the box for your actual number)
Message typeTypical roomBest use
Connection noteShort (often cited as roughly 200 to 300 characters)One reference plus one intent
Message after connectingMuch longerContext, a question or a small ask
InMailLonger, for premium and paid plansFuller introduction when you are not connected

What is the character limit for a LinkedIn connection request note?

Commonly cited figures are around 300 characters for free accounts and around 200 characters in some cases, with premium accounts often reported to get more room. These numbers are not guaranteed and have changed over time.

Limits can also vary by what you are sending: a connection note, a message after connecting, and InMail all have different rules. Do not assume one number covers them.

The practical advice is simple: type in the box and watch the counter. If the counter says you are over, trim.

How do I check my own connection note limit?

You do not need to guess.

  • Open a profile and click Connect.
  • Choose the option to add a note.
  • Start typing. The counter near the box shows how many characters you have left.
  • Test with a long block of text if you want to see the exact cap, then delete it.

How many words is that?

Roughly speaking, 200 characters is about 30 to 35 words, and 300 characters is about 45 to 55 words, depending on word length. Spaces and punctuation count as characters.

That is two or three short sentences. It is enough for one connection point and one friendly close, and not enough for your résumé.

How do I fit a good note into 200 characters?

Aim for one reference and one intent. Here is a note that fits in roughly 190 characters:

"Hi Priya, your post on support-to-product moves was useful. I work in support at a SaaS startup and would like to follow your work. Happy to connect."

Cut anything that does not do work: greetings that repeat, "I hope this finds you well", and filler like "I came across your profile". Replace long phrases with short ones ("would like to" for "would very much love to").

A trimming order that works: remove adjectives first, then secondary details, then the closing line, and keep the specific reference to the end.

What can I do with 300 characters?

With roughly 300 characters you can add a second sentence about why you are interested or a brief note about who you are:

"Hi Daniel, I am a data analyst exploring roles in logistics tech and noticed your team's work on route planning, especially your write-up on delivery windows. I would value having you in my network and learning from your updates. Thanks for considering it."

Do not feel obliged to use all the space. Shorter notes often read as more confident.

What if my message is too long for the box?

Do not squeeze it with abbreviations that look careless. Instead, split the content: send a shorter note now and save the details for the first message after they accept.

A common pattern is to use the note for a single reference, then use the first message after they accept for context and a question. People who accept a connection are usually more receptive to a slightly longer message, because they have already said yes to you once.

Also consider whether a note is needed at all. If the only thing you can say is generic, a blank invite followed by a good first message can work just as well. Here is how the stages typically differ. Treat this as an outline, since the limits themselves can change.

How can I write notes that fit without trimming by hand?

Counting characters while editing is tedious, and it is easy to cut the wrong part. A tool can do the first trim for you.

Letter Moth is a Chrome extension that reads the character limit of the box you have open and trims the draft to fit. It drafts the note from the profile page in your own voice, inserts it into the box, and never sends it, so you review and click Connect yourself. The LinkedIn message generator page explains more.

If you want a faster way through these steps, you can try Letter Moth. Check the final text against the counter anyway, and read it once more to make sure the trim kept the meaning.

Try Letter Moth free

Drafts a LinkedIn note, cold email or application answer from the page you are on. You edit it and press send. 10 drafts a day are free, no card needed.

Add to Chrome, it's freeSee the install steps

Frequently asked questions

Is the LinkedIn connection note limit 300 characters?

That figure is commonly cited for many accounts, but some accounts see about 200, and LinkedIn can change it. Check the counter in the box.

Do spaces count as characters?

Yes. Spaces, punctuation and emoji all count towards the limit.

Does LinkedIn Premium give a longer note?

It is often reported that paid plans get more room, but this can change. Look at your own counter to be sure.

Why does the box cut off my note?

Because you passed the cap for your account. Shorten the draft, or move the extra detail into your first message after they accept.

Is a connection note better than no note?

Often a specific note helps, but a generic one may not. See our guide to writing connection requests for what makes a note worth adding.

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