Alt Text Checker

Paste the alt text you already use and get a score out of 100, with plain fixes for length, “image of” openings, file names, generic words and keyword stuffing. It runs in your browser and doesn’t use your free tries.

Alt text (or paste an <img> tag)0 / 125

Focus keyword (optional)

This image is decorative (an empty alt is correct)

Checked in your browser as you type. Nothing is sent to us, and it doesn’t use your free tries.

Score

Paste alt text

Your score and fixes appear here.

Write new alt text with the generator

What the image alt text checker scores

Length: Under 125 characters scores best. Over 125 loses a few points; over 150 loses more, since long alt text is tiring to hear. Under 10 characters is usually too thin.
“Image of” openings: Phrases like “image of” or “picture showing” at the start cost points: screen readers already announce the image.
File names: Text such as IMG_4031.jpg or DSC-0045 is a sign the alt text was never written. It scores low.
Generic words: An alt text that is only “photo”, “banner” or “logo” says nothing about the picture. Filler like “stock photo” or “click here” also costs points.
Keyword use: With a focus keyword, once is ideal, zero is fine if it doesn’t fit, and two or more counts as keyword stuffing.
Keyword lists: The same word three times, or a comma list of short terms, reads like a list of search terms rather than a description.

The score starts at 100 and loses points for each problem. 85 or more is good, 60 to 84 needs work, below 60 is poor.

Two quick fixes the checker catches

Before: alt="IMG_4031.jpg"

After: alt="Barista pouring latte art into a white cup on a wooden counter."

Before: alt="running shoes, best running shoes, running shoes sale"

After: alt="Blue running shoes with a white sole on a track."

Examples written by us.

What an alt tag checker can’t tell you

This checker reads text, not pictures. It can’t see whether your alt text matches the image, and it doesn’t scan web pages for missing alt attributes. Treat a good score as “well written”, then make sure the words describe what the image shows and why it’s on the page.

If the score is low, the quickest fix is to start fresh: the alt text generator looks at the image and gives three options you can paste. For the reasoning behind these rules, see our guide to alt text for SEO.

Frequently asked questions

What does the alt text checker look at?

Length (under 125 characters), openings like “image of”, file names such as IMG_1234.jpg, generic words like “photo” or “banner”, filler such as “stock photo”, repeated words, keyword lists, and how often your keyword appears.

Can it tell whether my alt text matches the image?

No. The checker reads the text only and never sees the image, so it can’t judge accuracy. For alt text written from the picture itself, use the alt text generator.

Open the alt text generator

What is a good score?

85 or more is good, 60 to 84 needs work, and below 60 is poor. A high score means the text is well formed; you still need to check that it says what matters about the image.

Is an empty alt attribute wrong?

Not for decorative images. Tick “This image is decorative” and an empty alt (alt="") scores as correct. For images that carry meaning, empty alt text is a problem.

Is the alt tag checker free?

Yes, and unlimited. It runs entirely in your browser: nothing you paste is sent to us, and it doesn’t count against your daily tries.