Free tool, runs in your browser
Google SERP Preview with pixel width truncation
Type a title and a description and see the search result on desktop and on a phone. The tool measures the text in pixels, so you know exactly where Google cuts it.
Preview a search result
Edit the fields. Both previews and the pixel counts update as you type.
Why use the SERP Preview Tool
Pixel accurate
Titles are cut by width, not by character count. The tool measures every character with the font Google uses.
Desktop and mobile
See both layouts side by side, with the line where each one truncates.
Query highlighting
Add the search query and the matching words are shown in bold, as in a real result.
Private
Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
When to use the SERP Preview Tool
New pages
Write a title and description that fit before you publish.
Rewrites
Test a few versions of a weak title and keep the one that reads best.
Client reviews
Show a client what the result will look like instead of a character count.
Long brand names
Check whether the brand at the end still fits on desktop.
Non English text
Wide and narrow characters take different space. The pixel width shows the real fit.
Teaching
Explain why a 60 character title can still be cut.
Understanding SERP Preview Tool
How to use the preview
- 1Url. Enter the address of the page. It becomes the breadcrumb under the site name.
- 2Title. Write the title tag. Aim for under 580 pixels on desktop.
- 3Description. Write the meta description. Aim for under 920 pixels on desktop.
- 4Query. Optionally add the search query to see which words Google would bold.
Why pixels and not characters
Google cuts a title when it runs out of room, and room is measured in pixels. A title full of the letter W is cut much earlier than one full of the letter i. Character limits such as 60 are only an average.
The tool uses the Arial metrics of Google's result layout. Google changes its layout from time to time, so treat the limits as a close guide rather than a promise.
Google may rewrite it anyway
Google rewrites titles that look stuffed, repeat the brand or do not match the page, and picks other text for the description when it fits the query better. A clear, specific title and a description that summarises the page are rewritten least often.
Privacy
The preview runs entirely in your browser. Your text is kept in this browser only, so a reload does not lose it.
Related tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
How long should a title tag be?
Short enough to fit in about 580 pixels on desktop, which is usually 50 to 60 characters. Put the important words first in case it is cut.
How long should a meta description be?
About 920 pixels on desktop, roughly 150 to 160 characters. On mobile Google shows a little less.
Why does my result look different in Google?
Google may rewrite the title or pick another snippet, add a date, or show rich results. The preview shows what your own tags produce.
Does the length of the title affect rankings?
Not directly. A cut title can lower clicks, and a clear title helps both people and search engines understand the page.
Why is the mobile title on two lines?
On phones Google wraps long titles over two lines instead of cutting them on one, so more text fits.
Which font does the tool measure with?
Arial at the sizes Google uses for titles and descriptions. Characters outside the Latin alphabet are measured with your browser's font.
Can I check a live page?
Yes. Run the meta tag checker on the url to read the title and description the page serves.