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For a value already known to be a string, read text.length. It returns the string’s length in UTF-16 code units—not always the number of characters a person sees. If a value might not be a string, check it with typeof before reading .length.

Get the length of a string

Use the length property on the string value:

function getStringLength(text: string): number {
  return text.length;
}

The parameter uses TypeScript’s primitive string type, and the function returns a number. TypeScript builds on JavaScript, so string values use JavaScript’s length behavior. See the TypeScript overview for JavaScript programmers.

Check a value before reading its length

If a value is typed as unknown, first establish at runtime that it is a string. TypeScript narrows the value inside the checked branch:

function checkedStringLength(value: unknown): number | undefined {
  if (typeof value === "string") {
    return value.length;
  }
  return undefined;
}

This example returns undefined for a non-string. If that is not appropriate for your API, return a validation error or use a discriminated result instead. A type assertion such as value as string does not check the runtime value; it only tells the type checker to treat it as a string. Keep validation and measurement as separate steps.

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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Know what “length” counts

JavaScript’s string .length counts UTF-16 code units. That is the right choice when your required limit is defined in those units, but it is not a universal count of Unicode code points or user-perceived characters. The MDN reference for String.length explains the distinction.

Counting method What it counts When to use it
text.length UTF-16 code units; a supplementary code point such as 😄 counts as two. When the API or your limit specifies UTF-16 code units.
[...text].length Unicode code points; a surrogate pair is one item, but combining marks and joined emoji remain separate code points. When you need a simple code-point count.
Intl.Segmenter with granularity: "grapheme" Grapheme clusters, a closer approximation of user-perceived characters. When the counting rule is based on displayed character clusters.

Count UTF-16 code units

const units = "😄".length; // 2

Count Unicode code points

const codePoints = [..."😄"].length; // 1

Spreading a string iterates its code points, so it treats a surrogate pair as one item. It does not combine multiple code points into a single displayed character.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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Count grapheme clusters

const segmenter = new Intl.Segmenter(undefined, { granularity: "grapheme" });
const graphemes = Array.from(segmenter.segment(text)).length;

Grapheme segmentation is closer to what people perceive as characters. For example, MDN shows the family emoji "👨‍👩‍👧‍👧" as one grapheme cluster even though it consists of multiple code points and code units. Check your target runtime’s support for Intl.Segmenter, and follow the exact counting rule your product requires.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
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  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
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  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
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  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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Avoid two common type and naming mistakes

  • Use the primitive TypeScript type string for string parameters, not the boxed String type; TypeScript’s Do’s and Don’ts guidance recommends the primitive type.
  • Do not confuse text.length with String.length. The latter refers to the arity of the String function, not the length of a particular string.
  • Do not describe .length as counting “characters” without specifying UTF-16 code units; combining marks and joined emoji can make the visible-character count different.

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