What Are Core Web Vitals?

What are Core Web Vitals?

Core Web Vitals are a set of performance metrics created by Google to measure how users experience your website. They focus on three key areas: loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These metrics help determine whether your website feels fast, responsive, and smooth for real visitors.

Because Core Web Vitals directly impact user experience, Google uses them as part of its ranking system. Improving these metrics can help your website perform better in search results and keep visitors engaged longer.

The Three Core Web Vitals

1. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

LCP measures how long it takes for the main content on a page to load. This could be a hero image, headline, or large block of text. A good LCP score means your page feels fast and ready quickly.

Learn how to improve LCP: Improving Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)

2. Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

INP measures how quickly your website responds when a user interacts with it—such as clicking a button or tapping a menu. A low INP score means your site feels responsive and smooth.

Learn how to improve INP: Improving Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

3. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

CLS measures how much the layout shifts unexpectedly while the page loads. If buttons jump around or text shifts suddenly, that’s a sign of poor CLS. A stable layout improves user trust and reduces frustration.

Learn how to improve CLS: Improving Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

Why Core Web Vitals Matter

Core Web Vitals matter because they directly affect how users feel when they visit your website. A site that loads slowly, responds poorly, or shifts around during loading can drive visitors away. Improving these metrics helps you:

  • Increase user satisfaction
  • Improve search engine rankings
  • Boost conversions and engagement
  • Build trust with visitors

How to Measure Core Web Vitals

You can measure Core Web Vitals using tools like:

  • Google PageSpeed Insights
  • Google Search Console
  • Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX)
  • WebPageTest
  • GTmetrix

Learn more about performance testing tools: Tools for Testing Website Performance

Need Help Improving Your Core Web Vitals?

If your website feels slow or you're unsure how to improve LCP, INP, or CLS, I can help you optimize speed, stability, and user experience so your site performs at its best.

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