The Ideal Meta Description Length in 2025

How long should your meta description be? Too short and you waste valuable real estate. Too long and Google cuts it off. Here's what the data says.

Google's Display Limits

Google displays meta descriptions based on **pixel width**, not character count. However, as a practical guideline:

• **Desktop**: ~920 pixels ≈ 155-160 characters
• **Mobile**: ~680 pixels ≈ 120-130 characters

The Sweet Spot: 150-155 Characters

After analyzing thousands of search results, the optimal length is **150-155 characters**. This ensures:

• Full display on desktop
• Mostly complete on mobile
• Enough space to convey value + CTA

What Happens When You Go Over

When your meta description exceeds the limit, Google:

• Truncates with "..."
• Sometimes pulls different text from your page
• May show a less compelling preview

What Happens When You're Too Short

Meta descriptions under 120 characters:

• Waste valuable SERP real estate
• Look less substantial than competitors
• Miss opportunities for keywords and CTAs

Character Count by Page Type

Quick Length Check

Before publishing, always preview how your meta description will appear. Tools like MetaSpark automatically generate descriptions within the optimal range.

Check your meta description length →