See how it will look before Google shows it.
Type a title, a description and a page address. You see a close picture of the result on a computer and on a phone, with plain tips if it is likely to be cut off. It is made in your browser, so nothing you type reaches a server.
A preview of your title and description as they are likely to look in Google.
Your text stays on this page. We never see it.
The tool
example.com
Your page title
Your description appears here.
example.com
Your page title
Your description appears here.
This is a close picture, not a promise. Google may choose a different title or description for a search, and it changes how results look from time to time.
Title and description length, as rules of thumb
Google cuts a title by its width on the screen, not by a number of characters. About 600 pixels is a commonly used guide on a computer, which is usually around 55 to 60 characters. A description is commonly cut at about 155 to 160 characters on a computer and less on a phone.
| Part | A safe guide | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Under about 600 pixels | Wide letters such as W and M use more room than narrow ones such as i and l. |
| Description, computer | About 155 to 160 characters | Longer text is likely to end with three dots. |
| Description, phone | About 120 characters | Phone results often cut the text earlier. |
| Address | Short, readable words | People read the address in the result as a sign of what the page is. |
Put the key words first
If the end is cut off, the start still has to tell people what the page is.
Google can rewrite them
Google may show a different title or description for a search. A clear, honest title and description are chosen more often.
Before you publish.
Lead with the main words
Titles are cut by width. If the end disappears, the start still has to say what the page is.
Write for a person
A description is the text someone reads before deciding to click. Say who the page helps and what they will find.
One page, one title
Give each page its own title and description. Repeating the same ones on many pages makes results look alike.
Expect Google to choose
Google may rewrite a title or description for a search. A clear, honest one matching the page is chosen more often.
Use this next
About this tool.
Something we haven’t covered? Ask us.
How long should a title tag be?
Google cuts a title by its width, not by a character count. About 600 pixels on a computer is a common guide, which is usually around 55 to 60 characters. Put the main words first in case the end is cut.
How long should a meta description be?
About 155 to 160 characters fit on a computer and about 120 on many phones. Lead with what matters, because the end may be cut off.
Will Google always show my title and description?
No. Google may use your text, or rewrite it, or take text from the page, depending on the search. A clear title and a description that matches the page are chosen more often.
What is a search snippet?
It is the result you see on a Google search: the clickable title, the address and a short description under it.
Does the meta description help me rank higher?
Google has said the description is not a ranking factor. It can still help more people click your result, because it is the text they read before they decide.
How do I change the title and description of my page?
In most website builders there is an SEO or search settings box on each page with a title and a description. In WordPress, a free SEO plugin adds the same boxes. Ask your developer if you are not sure.
Why is my title cut off with three dots?
It is wider than the space Google has on the screen. Shorten it, put the key words first, and move your brand name to the end.
Need a hand?
Rewriting your website's titles and pages? We can plan the words, the structure and the search work together so they match your brand.
Start a projectWe reply within one working day, from a person.