Quick answer: Google truncates by pixel width, not characters. Keep title tags under about 600 pixels, usually 50 to 60 characters, and meta descriptions under about 920 pixels on desktop, usually 140 to 160 characters, with the key message in the first 120 characters for mobile. Put the main keyword near the start of the title and write the description as a reason to click.
Recommended lengths
| Element | Pixel limit (approx.) | Typical characters | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title tag | 600 px desktop | 50 – 60 | Main keyword first, brand last |
| Meta description, desktop | 920 px | 140 – 160 | A clear reason to click |
| Meta description, mobile | 680 px | 110 – 120 | Most important point first |
| URL slug | n/a | 3 – 5 words | Short, lowercase, hyphenated |
Preview your title and description
Search result preview
The preview measures text width with the same font Google uses for results, so it catches wide titles that pass a character count. Pixel limits are approximate because Google changes result layouts.
Why pixels matter more than characters
A title written with wide letters such as W and M fills 600 pixels much sooner than one with narrow letters such as i and l. “WWW Widget Maker Warehouse” is far wider than its character count suggests. Capital letters are wider too, so all-caps titles are truncated early.
How to write a title tag
- Lead with the main keyword or the exact task: “Minutes to Decimal Converter”.
- Add the differentiator: “+ Full 1-60 Chart”, “2026 Guide”, “Free”.
- End with the brand after a separator, if space allows.
- Make every title unique across the site.
- Match the H1 closely, so Google is less likely to rewrite it.
How to write a meta description
- Summarize what the page gives: the answer, the tool, the example.
- Include the main keyword naturally. Google bolds matching words.
- Use specifics: numbers, years and outcomes are more clickable than adjectives.
- Write a unique description for every page.
- Avoid double quotes, which can cut the description off in some displays.
When Google rewrites titles and descriptions
Google may show a different title or snippet when it thinks another text better matches the search: the H1, a heading, anchor text or a passage from the page. Rewrites are more likely when a title is very long, stuffed with keywords, repeats across pages or does not match the page content. Meta descriptions are replaced even more often, typically with a passage that answers the specific query, which is another reason to lead pages with a clear answer.
Before and after examples
| Weak | Better |
|---|---|
| Home | Services | Best Plumber | Plumbing Company | Call Now | Emergency Plumber in Austin, TX: 24/7, Fixed Prices | BrandName |
| Minutes to decimal | Minutes to Decimal Converter + Full 1-60 Chart (Free) |
| Welcome to our website. We offer many great tools for you to use. | Convert minutes to decimal hours with the working shown. Includes a 1 to 60 chart and payroll rounding. Free, no signup. |
Frequently asked questions
How long should a title tag be?
Under about 600 pixels, which is usually 50 to 60 characters. Put the main keyword near the start.
How long should a meta description be?
Under about 920 pixels on desktop, usually 140 to 160 characters, with the key message in the first 120 characters for mobile.
Does meta description length affect rankings?
No, meta descriptions are not a ranking factor, but a clear, well-sized description can improve click-through rate.
Why did Google change my title?
Google rewrites titles it considers too long, repetitive, keyword-stuffed or mismatched with the page. Aligning the title with the H1 helps.
Should I include my brand in the title?
Usually at the end, after a separator, if there is room. Put the topic first.
Can two pages have the same title?
They should not. Duplicate titles make it harder for search engines to tell pages apart.
Keep going
Content Lead, Anchor AI Tools, California, USA. Spotted an error? Email hello@anchoraitools.com and it will be checked and corrected. See our editorial standards.