The ideal meta title length is 50–60 characters. Google displays up to ~600 pixels wide. Complete 2026 guide with SEO title tag best practices.
Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026
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Keep your meta title between 50–60 characters. Google displays roughly 600 pixels of title text (∼60 characters) before truncating with an ellipsis.
| Context | Display Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Google Desktop SERP | ~600 pixels (~60 chars) | Titles exceeding this are truncated with … |
| Google Mobile SERP | ~600 pixels (~55–60 chars) | Slightly variable depending on device width |
| Browser Tab | Varies | First ~15–30 characters typically visible |
| Social Sharing | ~60–70 characters | Used as fallback when og:title is not set |
| HTML <title> Tag | No hard limit | HTML has no character limit; display is the constraint |
Paste your meta title into our free word counter tool to check the character count. A truncated title in search results can cost you clicks.
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Open Word CounterWhat is the meta title character limit?
There is no hard HTML character limit for title tags. However, Google displays approximately 600 pixels of title text, which translates to roughly 60 characters. The recommended length is 50–60 characters.
Does Google truncate long meta titles?
Yes. If your title exceeds approximately 600 pixels wide (roughly 60 characters), Google will truncate it with an ellipsis (…) in search results.
Should I include my brand name in the title?
Yes, but at the end. The format 'Primary Keyword — Brand Name' or 'Primary Keyword | Brand Name' ensures your keyword gets priority display even if the title is truncated.
Does meta title length affect SEO rankings?
Not directly as a ranking factor. However, well-crafted titles within the display limit get higher click-through rates, which does influence rankings over time.
Can Google change my meta title in search results?
Yes. Google may generate its own title from page headings, content, or anchor text if it believes a different title better serves the searcher. Writing clear, accurate titles reduces the chance of this.