HTML input maxlength Attribute

Last Updated : 26 May, 2026

The maxlength attribute is used to define the maximum number of characters allowed in an input field. It helps restrict the length of user input.

  • Limits the number of characters a user can enter.
  • Commonly used with text-based input fields like text, password, and email.
  • Helps in input validation and controlling data size.

Syntax:

<input maxlength="number">
  • number: It contains a single value number which allows the maximum number of characters in <input> element. Its default value is 524288.

Examples of Using the maxlength Attribute

Here are some examples of using maxlength attribute:

Example 1: Limiting Username and Password Length

The maxlength attribute is used within <input> elements to restrict the length of text inputs for username and password fields.

html
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>HTML input maxlength Attribute</title>
  </head>

<!--Driver Code Ends-->

  <body>
    <h1>GeeksforGeeks</h1>
    <h2>HTML &lt;input&gt; maxlength Attribute</h2>
    <form action="#">
      Username:
      <input type="text" 
             name="username" 
             maxlength="12" />
      <br />
      <br />
      Password:
      <input type="text" 
             name="password" 
             maxlength="10" />
      <br />
      <br />
      <input type="submit" 
             value="Submit" />
    </form>
  </body>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</html>

<!--Driver Code Ends-->

Example 2: Limiting Email Address Length

Here, the maxlength attribute limits the length of an email input field to 30 characters.

HTML
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <title>HTML input maxlength Attribute</title>
  </head>

<!--Driver Code Ends-->

  <body>
    <h1>GeeksforGeeks</h1>
    <h2>HTML &lt;input&gt; maxlength Attribute</h2>
    <form action="#">
      Email:
      <input type="email" 
             name="email" 
             maxlength="30" 
             style="width: 350px" />
      <br /><br />
      <input type="submit"
             value="Submit" />
    </form>
  </body>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->
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