Google Ads Character Counter
Check responsive search ad headlines, descriptions and display URL paths against Google’s limits as you type, with a rough preview of the ad. Free, no signup, and nothing you type leaves your browser.
Headlines (0 of 15, at least 3)
Descriptions (0 of 4, at least 2)
Display URL
Rough preview
Sponsored · example.com
Headline 1 | Headline 2 | Headline 3
Description 1. Description 2.
Google Ads needs at least 3 headlines and 2 descriptions.
Google mixes and matches your headlines and descriptions, so the live ad can show a different combination, fewer headlines, or none of the descriptions. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
Google Ads responsive search ad limits
| Field | Max characters | How many |
|---|---|---|
| Headline | 30 | 3 to 15 |
| Description | 90 | 2 to 4 |
| Display URL path | 15 | 0 to 2 |
Source: Google Ads Help, About responsive search ads (checked November 2026). Double-width characters count as 2.
How Google Ads counts characters
Google counts every letter, number, space and punctuation mark as one character. Every character in a double-width language like Korean, Japanese or Chinese counts as two, so a Japanese headline can hold about 15 characters, not 30. This counter applies the same rule.
Unlike Meta, Google does not truncate long text behind "See more". A headline over 30 characters simply can't be saved, so it is worth checking lengths before you open Google Ads.
How responsive search ads use your text
You enter between 3 and 15 headlines and between 2 and 4 descriptions. Google then picks combinations to show: up to 3 headlines in the headline position, and at least one headline and one description in every ad. That has two consequences:
- 1.Every headline must make sense on its own. You don't control which ones appear together, so avoid headlines that only work as the second half of a sentence.
- 2.Don't repeat yourself. Google's own advice is to provide as many unique headlines as you can. Five versions of "Free Shipping" give the system nothing to test.
Pinning
You can pin a headline or description to a position. A pinned item only shows in that position, and items pinned to headline position 1, headline position 2 or description position 1 always show. Google notes that pinning can lower Ad Strength, so pin only what must appear, such as a legal line or your brand name.
What to write in the fields
- Headlines: include at least one of your keywords (Google recommends this), then mix in the offer, a proof point you can back up, and a call to action.
- Descriptions: use the extra room for the details a headline can't hold: what is included, who it is for, and what happens after the click.
- Paths: the two 15-character path fields only change the display URL, not the page people land on. Use them to echo the search, for example example.com/standing-desks/sale.
Privacy
This counter runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to our servers or stored.
For the writing method, read How to Write Google Ads Headlines and Descriptions. For Facebook and Instagram ads, use the Meta Ad Character Counter instead: Meta's numbers are recommendations, not hard limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the character limit for Google Ads headlines?
30 characters per headline. Descriptions allow 90 characters and each of the two path fields allows 15. These are Google's limits for responsive search ads.
How many headlines and descriptions does a responsive search ad need?
At least 3 headlines and 2 descriptions. You can add up to 15 headlines and 4 descriptions, and Google tests combinations of them.
Do spaces count toward the limit?
Yes. Spaces and punctuation count as one character each, the same as letters.
Why does my Japanese, Chinese or Korean headline show double the count?
Google counts every character in a double-width language like Korean, Japanese or Chinese as two characters. The counter follows that rule, so the number matches what Google Ads will accept.
Will my ad look exactly like the preview?
No. The preview is a rough sketch. Google chooses which headlines and descriptions to combine, and the layout depends on the device and the search results page.
Is the text I type stored anywhere?
No. The counter runs entirely in your browser, and nothing you type is sent to our servers.
Need headlines to start from?
The Ad Copy Writer drafts Google Ads headlines and descriptions already sized to these limits. Paste them here to check and trim.
Generate ad copy →