Google does not rank pages by word count. It ranks pages that best satisfy the search. Some questions need 300 words; others need 3,000.
How to decide length
- Look at what ranks: if top results are detailed guides, a short post will struggle.
- Answer fully: cover what the searcher needs to know, including follow-up questions.
- Remove padding: long introductions and repetition hurt readability.
Typical ranges
| Type | Typical length |
|---|---|
| Quick answers | 300–700 words |
| How-to posts | 800–1,500 words |
| Comparisons and buying guides | 1,200–2,500 words |
| Complete guides | 2,500+ words |
These are guides, not rules.
Readability
Long posts need headings, short paragraphs and a table of contents. Check length with our word counter and reading time calculator.
Read search intent.
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