HTML Title Element: Write a Clear Page Title

The HTML <title> element names a document in browser tabs, bookmarks and search results. Learn where it belongs and how to make each page title useful and distinct.

Quick answer: Put one descriptive <title> inside the document <head>. Write a short phrase that accurately describes the page, then check that it matches the main heading and visible content.

Where the title belongs

The title is metadata, so it goes in the head rather than in the visible page body. A complete head can also include the character encoding, viewport settings and a page description.

<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>HTML Tables: Accessible Data Tables</title>
  <meta name="description" content="Learn when to use HTML tables and how to add clear row and column headings.">
</head>

Write a useful title for each page

Describe the page’s main topic in natural language. Add the site name when it helps visitors recognize the source, but keep the most useful words near the beginning.

• Make the title specific to the page rather than repeating a generic label.
• Use wording that matches what a visitor will find on the page.
• Keep it readable and concise; avoid lists of search terms.
• Review titles when the page content changes.

How the title differs from the main heading

The <title> appears in browser and search interfaces. The visible <h1> appears in the page content and tells readers what they are reading. They can use similar wording, but each has a different place and purpose.

Search engines may use the document title when creating a result title, and they may select other prominent page text when it better represents the result. A title is useful metadata, not a promise about ranking or the exact wording shown in search.

Common page title mistakes

• Missing title: add a clear title to every HTML document.
• Repeated titles: distinguish pages that cover different topics.
• Vague text: replace labels such as “Home” or “Page 2” with a meaningful description.
• Keyword strings: write for people who need to identify the page, not as a list of phrases.

HTML title questions

Does the title element appear in the page body?

No. It belongs in the head and is commonly shown in the browser tab or bookmark. Add an <h1> in the body for the visible page heading.

Can two pages have the same title?

They can, but important pages are easier to identify when each has a distinct title that reflects its own content.

Practice: improve a generic title

Write a title for a page that teaches HTML tables. Include the topic and the reader’s goal, then compare it with the page’s <h1> and description. Make sure the title is accurate even when read by itself in a browser tab.

For the element’s details, see MDN’s HTML title reference. For search result titles, read Google Search Central’s title link guidance.