This search engine optimization (SEO) guide explains how to calculate keyword density in SEO.
Below, you’ll find the keyword density formula to conduct your own calculations as well as examples for common keyword density percentages.
There’s also a section with additional resources that explain more about the fundamentals of keyword density to help you create a better search engine optimization strategy.
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How to Calculate Keyword Density In SEO
To calculate keyword density, divide the number of times a keyword is used on the page by the total number of words and then multiply that value by 100 to get a percentage.
Keyword Density Formula
The formula to calculate keyword density is KD = (KWa / TW) x 100.
KWa = Keyword Appearance
TW = Total Words on the Page
KD = Keyword Density
Example Keyword Density Calculations
- (5 / 1,000) x 100 = 0.05%
- (25 / 1,000) x 100 = 2.5%
- (50 / 1,000) x 100 = 5%
- (75 / 1,000) x 100 = 7.5%
- (100 / 1,000) x 100 = 10%
What Is 1% Keyword Density?
1% keyword density is a keyword being used one time for every 100 words on the page (or 1% of the total word count).
What Does 2% Keyword Density Mean?
2% keyword density means the keyword is used two times for every 100 words on the page (or 2% of the total word count).
What Does 3% Keyword Density Mean?
3% keyword density means the keyword appears three times for every 100 words of text (or 3% of the total word count).
Other Keyword Density Calculation Factors to Consider
- Keywords that appear in the <head> section of the HTML document should not be counted. This includes the meta title tag, meta description, and meta keywords.
- When calculating keyword density on a web page for SEO competitor analysis, you should also run a calculation on the entire <body> section of the HTML document. If a keyword appears in other elements on the page, such as the main navigation menu, sidebar, image ALT text, etc, then the total keyword density for the document may be higher than just counting the percentage of the article text.
- There is no optimal keyword density for a web page for SEO. For some low-competition keywords, a density of 0.05% to 1% may be perfectly fine to rank high in the search engine results pages (SERPs) while a high-competition keyword may require 2-5% or even more. (See the next point.)
- When calculating keyword density, you should analyze the top-ranking competitors to find out what their density percentages are so you can use that range as a good number to aim for on your web page.
Learn More About Keyword Density
The links below explain more about keyword density and how to use it correctly for better search engine optimization. Use these resources to expand your knowledge on the subject.
- Why Does Keyword Density Matter for SEO?
- What Is a Good Keyword Density for SEO?
- Best Keyword Density Checker Tools for SEO
Calculate Keyword Density for SEO Summary
I hope you enjoyed this guide explaining how to calculate keyword density for SEO.
As you discovered, keyword density can be calculated by dividing the number of times a keyword is used on the page by the total number of words and then multiplying that value by 100 to get a percentage. Expressed as a formula, the keyword density calculation is: KD = (KWa / TW) x 100.
