Free tool
Meta Title and Description Checker
Check your meta title and description length in characters and pixels, and see a live Google result preview before you publish. Free and runs in your browser.
How to use the Meta Title and Description Checker
- Type or paste your meta title and meta description. Add the page address if you want it shown in the preview.
- Read the character count and the pixel width. Green means the length is good, red means Google will probably cut it off.
- Edit the text until the preview looks right, then copy it into your page.
What a good meta title and description look like
A meta title is the blue headline in a search result. A meta description is the grey summary under it. Both are written in your page's HTML. Keep the title near 50 to 60 characters and the description near 120 to 155 characters so neither is cut off.
| Part | Safe length | Approximate pixel limit |
|---|---|---|
| Meta title | 50 to 60 characters | About 580 px |
| Meta description | 120 to 155 characters | About 920 px |
How to write them well
- Put the main keyword near the start of the title. Say what the page solves, for example "Furnace Keeps Shutting Off? 7 Causes and Fixes".
- Make the number true. If the title says 7 fixes, the page needs 7 fixes.
- Use the description to give a reason to click. Name the outcome, not just the topic.
- Write for people first. A title stuffed with keywords is often rewritten by Google.
- Give every page its own pair. Duplicate titles make pages compete with each other. A keyword cannibalization checker can show you which pages overlap.
Characters or pixels?
Google cuts text by width in pixels, not by character count. A title full of wide letters such as W and M cuts off sooner than one with narrow letters such as i and l. This tool measures both so you can trust the preview more than a plain character counter. Treat the limits as a guide, since Google changes its layout from time to time.
Check your counts for the rest of the page
After the title and description, check your body copy with the keyword density checker to make sure the main phrase appears naturally and not too often.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a meta title be?
Aim for about 50 to 60 characters, which fits within roughly 580 pixels on desktop. Google measures width in pixels, so the exact cutoff depends on the letters you use.
How long should a meta description be?
About 120 to 155 characters is a safe range. Google can show up to around 920 pixels on desktop, and it often shows less on phones.
Does the meta description affect rankings?
Google has said it does not use the meta description as a ranking factor. A clear description can still earn more clicks, which is why it is worth getting right.
Why does Google show a different title than mine?
Google sometimes rewrites titles that are too long, stuffed with keywords or do not match the page. A short, honest title that matches the page heading is rewritten less often.