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Headline Checker – SEO Title Tag Length & Google SERP Preview
Type a headline and optional meta description to test character count (50–60 sweet spot), 600px pixel width, power words, and a live Google SERP snippet.
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Google SERP preview
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Your headline appears here
Enter a meta description above to see how your search snippet looks below the title tag in Google search results.
Length & pixel width
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characters · SEO sweet spot 50–60
Pixel width (est.)0 / 600 px
Words0
Best practice–
Checklist
SEO headline length: the 50–60 character rule
Why headlines get cut off in Google, and how to write titles that earn clicks.
Use a Google title tag & meta description length checker
Google truncates search results at roughly 60 characters on desktop. Anything longer gets an ellipsis (…) — and the cut-off is usually the most compelling half of your title. This tool doubles as a free Google title tag length checker and SERP simulator: it previews both your headline and meta description (150–160 characters) in real time and marks the exact point where Google cuts them off.
Character count vs. the 600px pixel width limit
Behind the scenes, Google measures title tags in pixels (up to roughly 580–600 pixels on desktop) rather than raw characters. Wide characters like capital W or M take up much more room than narrow letters like i or l. Aiming for the 50–60 character sweet spot (around 6–12 words) ensures your full headline displays cleanly across both desktop and mobile search results without truncation.
Write headlines for higher click-through rate (CTR)
Proper length prevents truncation, but clicks come from specificity and clarity. The built-in checklist automatically scans your draft for patterns that lift organic click-through rate: leading with a specific number (“7 Ways…”), front-loading your primary keyword, adding 1–2 power words, and avoiding spammy clickbait phrases that erode reader trust.
Power words for headlines (by intent)
Adding one or two high-impact words can significantly increase click-through rates. Use the reference table below to pick the right angle for your title without sounding like an ad:
| Category | Power words to test | Best used for |
|---|---|---|
| Value & Ease | free, easy, simple, effortless, complete, ultimate, step-by-step | Tutorials, guides, templates, and tool pages |
| Trust & Proof | proven, tested, official, guaranteed, backed, essential, definitive | Case studies, product reviews, and data-driven posts |
| Urgency & Speed | instant, fast, quick, now, today, immediately, boost | Actionable tips, checklists, and news updates |
| Curiosity & Insight | secret, mistake, truth, hidden, smart, trick, surprising | Opinion pieces, myth-busting articles, and social posts |
After perfecting your headline, convert it to clean Title Case or a URL slug, check the article body with the text analyzer, and estimate reading duration with the reading time calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best title length for SEO?
50–60 characters (or under 580–600 pixels wide) is the sweet spot. Google truncates titles at roughly 60 characters on desktop, so the ideal length leaves room for your main keyword while staying under the cut-off limit.
Why does Google cut off titles by pixel width instead of character count?
Google allocates about 580 to 600 pixels of horizontal space for desktop search titles. Wide letters like W, M, and capital letters take up more space than narrow letters like i and l, which is why keeping your headline between 50 and 60 characters is the safest rule of thumb.
How long should an SEO meta description be?
Aim for 150–160 characters (up to about 960 pixels on desktop and 680 pixels on mobile). Include your primary keyword and a clear benefit so searchers know what the page delivers.
Do numbers in headlines help click-through rate?
Yes. Headlines with specific numbers consistently get higher click-through rates — “7 Ways…” outperforms vague claims, as long as the number matches the content.
What are power words in headlines?
Emotional, action-oriented words like free, proven, ultimate, secret, instant, and essential. Using one or two lifts click-through rate, while overusing them can make a title feel like clickbait.