---
title: "What is SPF? | Chargezen"
description: "SPF is a DNS record that lists which mail servers are allowed to send email for your domain."
url: "https://chargezen.com/glossary/spf-sender-policy-framework"
lang: "en"
---

Canonical URL: https://chargezen.com/glossary/spf-sender-policy-framework

# SPF

Sender Policy Framework (SPF)

Email Marketing

SPF is a DNS record that lists which mail servers are allowed to send email for your domain.

## What is SPF?

An SPF record is a TXT record that starts with **v=spf1** and names the services allowed to send as you, using include: and ip4: parts, ending in a rule like ~all or -all. **One record per host.** Two SPF records on the same host break SPF. Merge them into one. **Watch the lookup limit.** RFC 7208 (section 4.6.4) caps SPF at 10 DNS lookups. Every include: counts, so a domain that uses many sending tools can hit the limit and fail. Sending marketing from a subdomain like mail.yourbrand.com keeps your main domain's SPF simple.

## Example

v=spf1 include:\_spf.google.com include:yourprovider.example ~all lets Google Workspace and one email provider send for the domain.

## Why SPF Matters

Without a passing SPF (or DKIM) result, DMARC fails and inbox providers treat your mail as suspect.

## SPF FAQ

Can I have two SPF records?

No. A host with two SPF records fails SPF. Merge the include: parts into one record.

Should an SPF record use ~all or -all?

~all (soft fail) is the safer start; -all (hard fail) is stricter once you're sure every sender is listed. DMARC does most of the enforcing either way.

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