Free Character Count Calculator Tool (SEO Title & Meta)

Use our free character count calculator tool for SEO titles & meta descriptions. Instantly check characters and words, then optimize your snippet to avoid truncation.

Instantly check characters and words for SEO titles, meta descriptions, headings, social captions, and more.

Paste your text into the calculator below to get an immediate character and word count. If you’re using this for SEO, keep your title under ~60 characters and your meta description under ~160 to avoid truncation.

What This Tool Does

This free character count calculator tool helps you measure:

  • Character count (with spaces)

  • Word count

It also helps you stay within common SEO best-practice limits so your search snippet is less likely to get cut off.

Why Character Count Matters for SEO

In Google search results, each listing typically shows:

  • The meta title as the clickable headline

  • The meta description as the short text underneath

This title and description act as your page’s preview in search results. Clear, accurate metadata improves relevance and can increase click-through rate.

The 3 Most Important SEO Text Elements

H1 Heading

Your H1 is the main visible page heading. Best practices:

  • Use one H1 per page

  • Make the first/main heading on the page an H1

  • Keep it clear and descriptive

Meta Title

Your meta title is the SEO title shown in search results. Best practices:

  • Keep it under 60 characters (ideal around 55)

  • Place the main keyword early when it reads naturally

  • Write for humans first, not keyword stuffing

Meta Description

Your meta description is the snippet shown under the title in search results. Best practices:

  • Keep it under 160 characters (ideal around 155)

  • Clearly explain what the page offers

  • Include a benefit so searchers know why to click

Metadata Should Match Your Page

Search engines compare your metadata with your on-page content to confirm relevance. The best results come when your H1, meta title, meta description, and page content consistently describe the same topic.

Recommended Character Limits

  • SEO Title: 50–60 characters (ideal around 55)

  • Meta Description: 140–160 characters (ideal around 155)

Generic vs. Clear Example

Generic

  • H1: Home

  • Meta Title: Welcome

  • Meta Description: Learn more about what we do.

Clear

  • H1: Free Character Count Calculator Tool

  • Meta Title: Free Character Count Calculator Tool (SEO Title & Meta)

  • Meta Description: Use our free character count calculator tool for SEO titles and meta descriptions. Instantly check characters and words to avoid truncation.

Where to Edit Your Meta Title and Meta Description

Most website platforms include SEO fields per page:

  • WordPress: SEO plugins like Rank Math or Yoast

  • Webflow, Wix, Squarespace: SEO settings in the page editor

  • Shopify: SEO fields on pages, products, and collections

Frequently asked questions

Is it characters or pixels that matter?

Google truncation is based on pixel width, but character guidelines are a practical way to stay within typical display limits.

Will Google always use my meta description?

Not always. Google may rewrite snippets to better match a user’s query, but strong descriptions still help with relevance and click-through rate.

Should I always hit exactly 60 and 160?

No. Clear, readable text within the recommended ranges is better than forcing an exact number.