Meta Title & Description Checker
Check your meta title and description length in real time and preview exactly how your page will appear in Google search results. Optimal meta titles are 50–60 characters. Meta descriptions should be 120–155 characters.
Shown in the SERP preview only — doesn't affect your score.
Google preview
Google may rewrite your title or description. This preview shows your content at the character limits.
Quick reference
Meta title guidelines
Meta description guidelines
Pro tip: Google measures title length in pixels, not characters. Wide characters like W and M take more space than narrow ones like i and l. These limits are conservative approximations — the safe zone is 50–60 characters for most fonts.
Meta Title & Description FAQ
How long should a meta title be?
Meta titles should be between 50 and 60 characters for best results in Google search. Titles in this range are displayed in full in search results (SERPs) without being truncated. Titles shorter than 30 characters are too brief to communicate value, while titles over 70 characters will be cut off with an ellipsis. The checker above measures your title in real time so you can stay in the optimal zone.
How long should a meta description be?
Meta descriptions should be between 120 and 155 characters. Google typically shows up to 155–160 characters in desktop results before truncating. Mobile results can be shorter. A well-written meta description in this range gives you room to include your primary keyword, a value proposition, and a call to action — all key ingredients for a high click-through rate.
Does Google always use my meta title and description?
Not always. Google may rewrite your title or description if it determines a different version better matches a searcher's intent or if your meta tags are missing, duplicated, or too short. Studies suggest Google rewrites meta titles in roughly 60% of cases and meta descriptions even more often. Writing clear, keyword-relevant, descriptive meta tags gives Google a strong starting point — and improves your odds of your original copy being shown.
What makes a good meta title for local SEO?
For local SEO, a strong meta title typically includes your primary service keyword, the city or location you serve, and your brand name — all within 60 characters. A common format is: Service in City, State | Brand Name. For example: “Plumber in Austin, TX | Austin Plumbing Co.” This pattern signals local relevance to Google and gives searchers immediate clarity about who you are and where you serve.
What is a SERP preview and why does it matter?
A SERP preview shows how your page title and meta description will appear in Google's search results before you publish or update a page. It helps you catch truncation issues — where your title or description gets cut off mid-sentence — and ensures your snippet is compelling enough to earn the click. The live Google preview in this tool updates as you type so you can iterate quickly without guesswork.
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