The maximum length permitted for a simple string literal is 256 characters; the maximum length permitted for a string literal is 4095 characters. However, when a string literal is used as an arithmetic primary, it must not exceed 48 bits in length.

Internally, a string literal of 48 bits or less is represented in the object code as an 8-bit, 16-bit, or 48-bit literal. A string literal more than 48 bits long is stored in a pool array created by the compiler. An internal pointer carries the character size and address of the string within the pool array.