Title tag checker
On-PageCheck a title tag's pixel width, keyword placement and common problems so it fits in search results and reads well. Free, no signup, and it runs entirely in your browser.
How it may appear
How to use it
- Type or paste your title tag.
- Add your target keyword if you want placement checked.
- Review the pixel meter, the preview and the list of checks.
What the title tag does
The title tag sits in the page's HTML head and tells search engines and browsers what the page is called. Google usually uses it as the blue link in search results, and browsers show it on the tab. It is one of the clearest signals you can give about a page's topic, and it is often the line that decides whether someone clicks.
A good title does two jobs at once: it matches the words people search for, and it gives a person a reason to pick your result over the one above it.
What this checker looks at
- Pixel width. Google trims titles by display width, commonly around 600 pixels on desktop. The meter turns red when your title likely runs past that and shows roughly how far over you are.
- Short titles. Very short titles leave space unused. That space could hold a location, a benefit or your brand name.
- Keyword placement. If you enter a keyword, the checker looks for the exact phrase and notes whether it appears near the start.
- All caps. Titles written entirely in capitals are hard to read and tend to get rewritten.
- Repeated words. Saying the same word twice usually wastes space and can look like keyword stuffing.
- Extra separators. More than a couple of pipes often signals a title built from a list of keywords rather than for a reader.
A practical formula
For most service and local pages, a simple pattern works well: the main topic first, then a qualifier, then the brand. For example, "Emergency dentist in Austin | Same-day visits | Brand." For articles, lead with the question or outcome the reader wants. Keep each title unique across your site so pages do not compete with one another. If you are not sure which phrase a page should target, our guide to keyword research for local businesses walks through the process.
Limits worth knowing
Fitting inside the width does not guarantee Google will show your title exactly as written. Google can rewrite titles that seem inaccurate, overly long or out of step with the page's main heading. Matching your title closely to the H1 and to the actual content is the most reliable way to keep it intact. Pair this tool with the SERP snippet preview to see the title next to your description.
Questions, answered
How long should a title tag be?
There is no fixed character limit, because Google trims by pixel width. As a rule of thumb, most titles under about 60 characters display in full on desktop, but wide letters can push a shorter title past the edge. Use the pixel meter, and put the words that matter most at the start.
Should my brand name go in every title?
It is common and usually helpful, especially at the end of the title, because it builds recognition in results. On pages where space is tight, the topic matters more than the brand. Google also shows your site name separately above the title, so dropping the brand on a long title is often fine.
Does the keyword need to be at the very start?
Not strictly. Placing it early helps searchers spot the match quickly, and it keeps the phrase visible if the title gets cut. A natural title with the keyword a few words in is better than an awkward one forced to start with it. Write for the reader first.
Why does the checker flag repeated words?
Repeating a word, such as using "dentist" twice, rarely adds meaning and takes up space you could use for a benefit or location. It can also make the title look like it was written for search engines rather than people. Short words are ignored, so only meaningful repeats are flagged.
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