Want to ensure your meta descriptions adhere to the length limits on search engines and won’t be truncated? Copy and paste your meta descriptions into the tool below and start testing!
I Need Help! How Do I Use the Meta Description Checker?
Search engine listings, or SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages), have width limits for meta description fields. This testing tool is designed to measure the pixel length of meta descriptions in bulk, with each description separated by a return space. Validating your meta descriptions with this tool ensures that the text will fully display in search results and will not be truncated with an ellipsis. For more information, you can check out this blog post for a walkthrough on testing meta description length.
How Should I Write Meta Descriptions?
A good meta description typically includes a concise description of the page topic and a compelling call-to-action, or CTA, urging viewers to click on the SERP. Meta descriptions serve as ad copy within search engine listings, so having a well written description of the page that adheres to the length limit tends to improve click-through-rate (CTR).
Why Should I Check the Pixel Width of Meta Descriptions?
If your meta description text exceeds the space allotted in search engine listings, it will typically be cut off with an ellipsis after it reaches the pixel limit. This can lead to a lower click-through-rate (CTR) and may not provide a succinct, coherent overview of the page topic from a user’s perspective. By writing your meta descriptions within the pixel width limit, you’re able to ensure the entirety of your text will be visible to users within search engine listings.
What is the Pixel Limit for Meta Descriptions?
Our tool is set to a max length of 920 pixels, which is Google’s defined limit for meta descriptions on desktop search results as of 2020. However, the pixel limit of descriptions can vary based on the type of device and search engine being used. Measuring by pixels is more accurate than setting a character limit, as different characters vary dramatically in pixel width. However, 920 pixels generally amounts to 150-160 characters.
Should My Meta Descriptions Include Target Keywords?
Meta descriptions are not included as ranking factors and keyword inclusion will not improve the likelihood of ranking in search engines. However, words included in a search query will often be emboldened within meta descriptions, so including keywords can help affirm to users that your search listing aligns with the intent of their query.
Wait, I Need to Check My Meta Titles Too!
Climb Marketing also has a tool for testing the pixel width of meta titles (also called title tags or page titles) in bulk. It’s crucial to ensure that both your title tags and meta descriptions are well-written, concise, and compliant with the pixel width limits within search results. You can use our bulk title tag checker here.
Looking For More SEO Resources?
You can find more SEO tips and tactics on our blog or check out our monthly podcast, The Crux, to hear candid discussions about SEO trends and strategies. We’re currently on working on adding more free SEO tools to our website, including a SERP preview tool and a keyword mixer, so consider bookmarking our tools page to take advantage of our latest and greatest free tools for SEO and SEM.