Title tag length: how long should a page title be?

The title tag is the blue link in Google results. It's often the first thing people read about your page, and one of the clearest signals Google has about what the page is for. Get the length wrong and Google cuts it off mid-word, or rewrites it for you.

How long should a title tag be?

Aim for 50 to 60 characters. Google doesn't actually count characters, though. It cuts titles at about 600 pixels on desktop, so the real limit depends on the letters you use.

Wide letters like W and M take up more room than narrow ones like i and l. A title in capitals can get cut at 45 characters, while a title full of narrow letters can fit 65. That's why a character counter is only a rough guide.

When a title is too long, Google ends it with "...". Whatever comes after the cut is lost, which is why the most important words should come first.

How long should a meta description be?

Aim for 120 to 155 characters. On desktop Google shows about two lines, roughly 920 pixels. On phones it can show a little more.

A missing or weak description isn't a disaster, because Google often writes its own snippet from the page. But a good one gives you control over the pitch, and Google often shows it when it matches what people searched for.

What makes a good page title

• Lead with the topic. "Pricing and plans | Acme" beats "Acme | Pricing and plans". People scan the first few words.
• End with your brand. Add it after a separator like | or · so people recognise you, unless it's your homepage.
• Match the main heading. The title and the page's H1 should tell the same story. When they don't, Google is more likely to rewrite the title.
• One title per page, all different. Pages with the same title compete with each other and confuse searchers.
• Write for the click. A benefit, a number or who it's for gives people a reason to choose you over the next result.

For formulas that work, see how to write headlines that get clicks.

Check any page's title in seconds

1. Open the headline analyzer and switch to Check a website title.
2. Paste the page's address and click Check.
3. See the result the way Google shows it: the site name, the path, and the title and description cut at Google's pixel limits.
4. Read the list of fixes. It flags titles that get cut off or are too short, a missing brand, a missing or overlong description, a missing or mismatched main heading, and pages that tell Google not to list them.
5. Edit the title right there to try a better version. The preview and the score update as you type.

Some sites block automated checks. If that happens you'll see a message instead of a result.

Why Google rewrites titles

Google shows your title tag most of the time, but it sometimes replaces it with the main heading or other text from the page. It usually happens when the title is:

• Too long, or stuffed with keywords.
• Missing or the same on many pages, like "Home" or "Untitled".
• Different from what the page is actually about.

A clear title of the right length that matches the H1 is the best way to keep yours.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum length of a title tag?

There's no hard limit in HTML, but Google shows about 600 pixels on desktop, which is usually 50 to 60 characters. Anything longer is cut off with "...".

Does title length affect SEO?

Length itself isn't a ranking factor, but a title that's cut off or rewritten loses its message. Put the main keyword near the start so it survives either way.

How long should a meta description be in 2026?

About 120 to 155 characters. Google shows roughly two lines on desktop and may rewrite it to match the search.

Should I put my brand name in the title tag?

Usually yes, at the end. On the homepage it's fine to start with it.