Examplehttps://example.com › guides › page
Your Page Title Appears Here | Brand
Check your meta description length in pixels and characters, see exactly where Googlemay cut it on desktop and mobile, and fix it before the page goes live.
Meta description length checker
Paste a meta description to see its pixel width, how many lines it takes on each device, and exactly which words Google would hide behind the “...”.
Desktop, 2 lines1099 / ~1176 px · 157 charsFits
1176
| Device | Visible area | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | ~1176px | fits |
| Tablet | ~1656px | fits |
| Mobile | ~954px | cut after 130 chars |
Desktop
Mobile
Examplehttps://example.com › guides › page
Your Page Title Appears Here | Brand
Check your meta description length in pixelsand characters, see exactly where Google maycut it on desktop and mobile, and fix it ...
Where the cut lands, and why it moves
A description isn’t cut at a character number. It’s wrapped word by word into a column, and when the text runs out of lines the last line is shortened to the previous whole word and given an ellipsis. Narrow the column and each line holds fewer words, so the cut moves earlier.
Drag the width, or pick a device. Watch for the moment a key phrase such as a price, a benefit or a call to action slips into the hidden part. That’s the sentence to move forward.
Writing a description that survives the cut
- Lead with what the page gives the searcher; details and brand later.
- Write a unique description for each page. Google’s guidance specifically warns against the same description on many pages.
- Use the words people search for once, naturally; matches may appear in bold.
- Keep facts accurate. A description that promises something the page lacks earns a quick bounce.
Need ideas? See meta description examples or draft options with the meta description generator.
Check your meta description length in pixels and characters, see exactly where Googlemay cut it on desktop and mobile, and fix it before the page goes live.
Everything fits at 600px × 2 lines, with room for about 12 more average characters.
Questions
How long should a meta description be?
Google does not set a length limit for meta descriptions and says they can be any length; the snippet is simply shortened to fit the result. On desktop about two lines are shown, which in this checker is roughly 1,176 pixels or often 150–160 characters. Aim to make the first 120 characters carry the message.
Is it 155 or 160 characters?
Neither is official. Both are rules of thumb for a width-based cut. A description with many wide letters is cut sooner; one with narrow letters can run longer. That is why this checker measures pixels.
Why doesn’t Google show my meta description?
Google Search Central says snippets are primarily created from page content and it uses the meta description when it gives a more accurate description than the page text. Descriptions that are missing, duplicated across pages, stuffed with keywords or unrelated to the query are the ones most often replaced.
Does meta description length affect rankings?
No. Google has stated meta descriptions are not a ranking factor. They matter because a clear, relevant description can persuade more searchers to click.
Why is a date shown before my snippet?
For articles and time-sensitive pages Google may show a date, which uses up part of the first line. Tick “Show a date” in the SERP simulator to see the effect.