How to use the Meta Description Checker
- Enter your meta description.
- Optionally add a title and URL for the full preview.
- Keep the width bar in the green zone.
- Copy the final description into your page.
Example
| Input | Free online word counter. Count words, characters and reading time instantly. |
|---|---|
| Result | 78 characters · could be longer |
What the checker measures
A meta description is the short summary that may appear under your title in search results. Google does not use it as a ranking signal, but a good one can make people more likely to click. Enter your description to see its characters and pixel width, with separate bars for desktop and mobile, and a preview.
- Desktop width: about 920 pixels.
- Mobile width: about 680 pixels, which fits fewer characters.
- Character guide: roughly 120 to 155 characters.
- Verdicts: Good length, Short (under 70 characters, so you have room for more detail), Too long, or No description, in which case Google builds a snippet from your page.
Preview and keyword checks
- Use the Desktop and Mobile buttons to preview the snippet.
- Add the title, URL and a target keyword to see the full result and to check whether the keyword appears in each place.
- Copy the description, or take the complete set of HTML tags.
Writing a description that gets clicks
- Summarize what the page offers in a sentence or two, and mention the main benefit.
- Include the main keyword naturally. Google bolds matching words in the snippet.
- End with a reason to click, such as “free”, “no sign-up” or “step by step”.
- Write a different description for every page instead of reusing one.
- Do not rely on it. Google may show text from the page instead if it fits the search better.
Related tools
Check your page title with the Meta Title Checker and generate all the tags together with the Meta Tag Generator. For an exact count of characters in any text, use the Character Counter.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a meta description be?
Google truncates snippets at roughly 920 pixels on desktop (about 150–160 characters) and less on mobile. Aim for 120–155 characters and put the key message first.
Do meta descriptions affect rankings?
Not directly, but a clear description can improve click-through rate. Google may also generate its own snippet from your page content.
Is a meta description a ranking factor?
Not directly. Its value is in attracting clicks from search results, which is why wording and length matter.
What happens if my description is too long?
Google cuts it off with an ellipsis. Put the important words first, so that a shortened snippet still makes sense.