How does Google truncate title tags?

Google truncates title tags at approximately 600 pixels width — not a fixed character count, because different characters have different widths. Narrow characters like i, l and 1 take less space than wide characters like W and M. As a practical guide, keep titles under 60 characters. The SERP Preview tool shows exactly where your title will be cut off based on pixel width, not character count.

Does Google always use my meta description?

No. Google rewrites meta descriptions approximately 70% of the time, replacing them with text extracted from the page that better matches the specific search query. This is normal and expected. Having a well-written meta description reduces the chance of a worse replacement and ensures a good description for queries Google does match. Always write a meta description — even though Google may not always use it.

What is the ideal meta description length?

Google truncates meta descriptions at approximately 160 characters for desktop and 120 characters for mobile. Write descriptions that are complete and compelling within 155 characters to ensure the key information appears before truncation. The SERP Preview tool shows desktop and mobile rendering separately so you can see exactly what gets cut on each device.

How to Optimise Your Google Search Result Snippets

How to write title tags that get clicked

Your title tag is the largest, most prominent element in your search result. It is the headline that must convince the searcher to click your result over the others on the page. Two goals: include your primary keyword (for ranking) and make it compelling (for clicks).

Title tag formula

[Primary keyword] — [Benefit or differentiator] | [Brand]

Example: Emergency Plumber London — 24/7, No Call-Out Fee | FastFlow

Front-load keywords: Put your most important keyword as close to the start of the title as possible. Google bolds matching search terms in results, and words earlier in the title carry more weight.

How to write meta descriptions that convert

Think of your meta description as a 155-character advertisement. It should describe what the user gets, address their intent, and include a call to action. Match the language of the search query where possible.

Meta description formula

[What the page offers] + [Key benefit] + [Call to action]

Example: Emergency plumbers covering all London postcodes, available 24/7. Fixed price quotes before work starts. Call now for a same-hour response.

Use the SERP Preview: Enter your title and description into the SERP Preview tool and check both desktop and mobile rendering. Adjust length until the most important information appears before the truncation point on both devices.

🔍 Preview SERP Result Now

Run the SERP Preview Tool and get results in minutes. Pay as you go.

Preview SERP Result →

SERP Preview: Title and Description Truncation Fixes

How to write title tags that get clicked

Title tag formula

How to write meta descriptions that convert

Meta description formula

🔍 Preview SERP Result Now

Related tools