A meta title and meta description should be long enough to describe a page clearly, but short enough to avoid being cut off in search results. The simplest check is to count the characters—or, more accurately, the pixel width—and compare the result with the space typically available in search results.

If either element is too long, search engines may shorten it with an ellipsis (…), rewrite it, or display a different snippet.

What Are Meta Titles and Descriptions?

The meta title, also called the title tag, appears as the clickable headline in many search results. It is set in a page’s HTML using the <title> element.

The meta description is a short summary that may appear beneath the title in search results. It is set using:

<meta name="description" content="Your page summary goes here.">

Search engines do not always use the meta description exactly as written. They may generate their own snippet from page content if they believe it better matches the search query. Still, a clear, well-written description gives you more control over how the page is presented.

Recommended Length Limits

Search results are limited by pixel width, not strictly by character count. However, character counts are a practical starting point.

These ranges are not fixed rules. The exact cutoff depends on the device, font, language, and how search engines display results at the time. A title with wide characters may truncate before 60 characters, while a title with narrow characters may fit slightly more.

Check the Title and Description in a Browser

You can inspect a page’s meta information directly in most browsers.

In Chrome or Edge

1. Open the webpage.
2. Press F12 to open developer tools.
3. Press Ctrl + F on Windows or Command + F on Mac to search within the HTML.
4. Search for <title>.
5. Search for name="description".
6. Copy the title and description text.
7. Paste each into a character counter.
8. Compare the counts with the recommended limits.

This method works for checking any live webpage, including competitor pages.

Check Your Own Website’s Meta Tags

If you manage the website, check the meta title and description before publishing.

In a CMS

Most content management systems, such as WordPress with an SEO plugin, Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace, include SEO fields for the page title and meta description.

1. Open the page or post editor.
2. Find the SEO, Search Appearance, or Metadata section.
3. Enter or review the meta title.
4. Enter or review the meta description.
5. Check the character or pixel-width indicator, if available.
6. Preview the search result snippet.
7. Save or publish the page.

Many SEO plugins show a color-coded warning when the title or description is too long or too short. Treat these indicators as helpful guides rather than absolute rules.

In HTML

Look for these tags in the page’s <head> section:

<title>How to Check Meta Title and Description Length</title>
<meta name="description" content="Learn how to check whether your meta title and description are too long for search results.">

Copy the text between the tags and count it using a character counter or spreadsheet formula.

Calculate Character Length in Excel or Google Sheets

If you have a list of page titles and descriptions, use the LEN function.

If the title is in cell A2:

=LEN(A2)

If the description is in cell B2:

=LEN(B2)

To flag titles longer than 60 characters:

=IF(LEN(A2)>60,"Too long","OK")

To flag descriptions longer than 160 characters:

=IF(LEN(B2)>160,"Too long","OK")

You can also create a simple audit table:

Use a SERP Preview Tool

A SERP preview tool estimates how a title and description may appear in search results. These tools often show both character count and pixel width.

1. Paste your meta title into the title field.
2. Paste your meta description into the description field.
3. Review the preview.
4. Check whether either element is truncated.
5. Adjust the wording until the main message fits.

Pixel width is more accurate than character count because letters vary in width. For example, WWWWWW takes more horizontal space than iiiiii, even if both have the same number of characters.

Fix a Meta Title That Is Too Long

If your title exceeds the practical limit, prioritize the most important information at the beginning.

Before:

The Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Running Shoes for Beginners, Trail Runners, and Marathon Training

After:

Best Running Shoes for Beginners | Complete Guide

Ways to shorten a title:

• Remove filler words such as “The Complete Guide to”
• Remove repeated brand names
• Use a vertical bar | or hyphen - to separate ideas
• Put the main keyword or topic first
• Remove location or category details unless they are essential
• Avoid stuffing multiple keyword variations into one title

Aim for a title that tells both search engines and people what the page is about.

Fix a Meta Description That Is Too Long

A meta description should summarize the page and encourage a click without repeating the title word for word.

Before:

Our comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about choosing running shoes, including how to find the right fit, understand arch support, compare cushioning levels, select shoes for trails or roads, and avoid common buying mistakes when shopping online or in stores.

After:

Learn how to choose running shoes that fit well and suit your terrain. Compare cushioning, arch support, and trail versus road options.

Ways to shorten a description:

• Lead with the main benefit or answer
• Remove repeated ideas
• Cut broad introductory phrases
• Use one clear call to action
• Avoid listing every point covered in the article
• Keep the most important information in the first 120 characters

Avoid Titles and Descriptions That Are Too Short

Very short metadata can waste valuable space.

A title such as:

Home

does not explain what the page offers. A better version might be:

Home | Example Bakery – Fresh Bread & Cakes in Leeds

Similarly, a description such as:

Welcome to our website.

gives searchers little reason to click. Use the available space to explain the page’s purpose and value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keyword stuffing

Do not repeat the same phrase several times:

Cheap Shoes, Cheap Shoes Online, Buy Cheap Shoes, Cheap Shoe Store

This is harder to read and does not improve clarity.

Using the same title on every page

Each page should have a distinct title that reflects its specific content.

Writing vague descriptions

Avoid generic descriptions such as “Learn more about our services.” Explain what the visitor will find or gain.

Ignoring mobile display

Search results can display differently on mobile and desktop. Check the preview at different widths where possible.

Relying only on character count

Character count is useful, but pixel width determines truncation. Use a SERP preview tool for a more realistic check.

Quick Audit Workflow

1. Open the page or SEO settings.
2. Copy the meta title and description.
3. Count the characters.
4. Check the pixel-width preview if available.
5. Confirm the title is roughly 50–60 characters.
6. Confirm the description is roughly 120–160 characters.
7. Put the main keyword or topic near the beginning of the title.
8. Make sure the description clearly explains the page’s value.
9. Preview the result and adjust anything that is truncated.

Check both length and clarity. A strong meta title and description fit within the available space, describe the page accurately, and give searchers a clear reason to click.