Ideal lengths
Google cuts text by pixel width, not by character count, so wide letters use up the space faster.
| Element | Desktop space | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Title | about 600 px | 50 to 60 characters |
| Meta description | about 920 px (two lines) | 140 to 160 characters |
How to write a title and description that earn clicks
Keyword first. Start the title with what people search for, then your brand at the end.
Stay within the space. A cut title hides information. Keep the meter green so it shows in full.
A description that invites the click. State the benefit and what makes you different, and end with a clear call.
Google may rewrite it. Google sometimes shows other text from your page instead, especially if yours doesn’t match the search. A good description makes that less likely.
FAQ
What is the ideal title length?
Around 50 to 60 characters, but the real limit is width: about 600 px on desktop. Wide letters like W and M take more space, which is why we measure in pixels.
How long should a meta description be?
Around 140 to 160 characters, about two lines on desktop. Anything longer is cut with an ellipsis.
Does the description affect rankings?
Not directly, but it affects click-through: a persuasive description makes people choose your result.
Why does Google show a different description?
Google may pick a sentence from your page if it fits the search better. Write a description that matches the page and includes the keyword.
Is the preview exactly like Google?
It’s a close approximation: we use Google’s font and size, but Google changes its design from time to time and display varies by device.