See how your page could look in Google search results before you publish. Type a title, meta description and URL to check for truncation by pixel width, the way Google actually measures it.
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Why pixel width matters, not characters
Google cuts titles at roughly 600 pixels wide on desktop. Wide letters like W and M take up much more room than i or l, so a 55-character title in capitals can be cut off while a 65-character title in lower case fits. The preview measures your title in the same font Google uses.
Worked example
“How to Save Money: 21 Simple Tips That Work in 2026” is 51 characters and about 490 pixels, so it shows in full. Adding “| The Complete Beginner’s Guide” pushes it past 600 pixels, and Google would cut it to “…”.
Writing titles that get clicked
- Put the main keyword near the start.
- Add a specific benefit or number (“21 tips”, “in 5 minutes”).
- Keep your brand name short, or at the end.
- Make every title unique across your site.
Meta descriptions
Aim for about 120 to 155 characters that summarise the page and give a reason to click. Google rewrites many descriptions to match the search, but a good one is still used often and improves click-through.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a title tag be?
Up to about 600 pixels, which is usually 50 to 60 characters. Check with the preview rather than counting characters.
How long should a meta description be?
About 120 to 155 characters. Longer descriptions are usually truncated on desktop.
Why does Google show a different title?
Google sometimes rewrites titles it thinks don’t describe the page well, often using your H1. Clear, accurate titles are rewritten less.
Does the meta description affect rankings?
Not directly, but a compelling description can increase clicks.
Sources
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