SERP snippet preview
Type a page title, URL, and meta description to see a live preview of the search snippet, with pixel-width measurement against the practical truncation limits for desktop results.
Desktop preview
How it works
Search engines truncate titles and descriptions by rendered pixel width, not by character count. Two 60-character titles can behave differently because wide letters like W and m consume more space than i or l.
This tool renders your text with a canvas measurement in a font metrically similar to the search results page, then compares the width against commonly observed desktop limits — roughly 580 pixels for titles and about 990 pixels (two lines) for descriptions.
The preview approximates a desktop result: title link, URL breadcrumb, and description, truncated with an ellipsis where the limits are exceeded.
Assumptions and limitations
- Truncation limits are observed behavior, not documented guarantees. Search engines change rendering regularly, vary by device and language, and may rewrite titles or generate descriptions from page content regardless of your tags.
- Pixel measurement here approximates the result page's font stack; actual rendering differs slightly across operating systems and browsers.
- A snippet that fits is not automatically a snippet that earns clicks. Relevance to the query and matching search intent matter more than exact length.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a page title be?
Aim for titles that render under roughly 580 pixels on desktop — usually around 50 to 60 characters. Front-load the distinctive part of the title, since truncation cuts from the end.
How long should a meta description be?
Descriptions that render within about two lines — roughly 150 to 160 characters — usually display in full on desktop. Search engines frequently rewrite descriptions to match the query, so treat yours as a strong default rather than a guarantee.
Why does Google sometimes ignore my title or description?
Search engines rewrite snippets when they judge that different text better matches the query, when the title is too long or repetitive, or when the description does not summarize the page. Clear, accurate, page-specific tags reduce rewrite frequency.
Do character counts matter or only pixels?
Pixels are what actually determine truncation, but character counts are a convenient proxy. This tool reports both so you can write to a character budget while verifying against the pixel limit.
Is my draft content sent anywhere?
No. The preview and measurements are computed locally in your browser. Nothing you type is transmitted, stored, or logged.
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