Core Web Vitals are the three Google metrics for page experience: LCP (loading), INP (responsiveness) and CLS (visual stability). The "good" thresholds, at the 75th percentile of real-user field data: LCP 2.5 seconds or less, INP 200 milliseconds or less, CLS 0.1 or less. INP replaced FID in March 2024. This is the one-page reference with every threshold and fix.
The Core Web Vitals thresholds
Each metric has three bands. You pass only when the 75th percentile of your real users is in the good band.
| Metric | Measures | Good | Needs work | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LCP Largest Contentful Paint | Loading: when the main content renders | 2.5s or less | 2.5s to 4.0s | over 4.0s |
| INP Interaction to Next Paint | Responsiveness: delay after a tap or click | 200ms or less | 200ms to 500ms | over 500ms |
| CLS Cumulative Layout Shift | Stability: how much the layout jumps | 0.1 or less | 0.1 to 0.25 | over 0.25 |
Supporting metrics (diagnostic, not pass or fail)
| Metric | Good | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| TTFB (Time to First Byte) | under 0.8s | Server and network speed. A slow TTFB drags LCP. |
| FCP (First Contentful Paint) | under 1.8s | When the first pixel of content paints. |
The fastest fixes per metric
| Metric | Top fixes |
|---|---|
| LCP | Optimise and preload the hero image (WebP or AVIF), serve from a CDN, inline critical CSS, cut server response time. |
| INP | Break up long JavaScript tasks, defer non-critical JS, reduce main-thread work, avoid heavy event handlers. |
| CLS | Set width and height on images and embeds, reserve space for ads and fonts, do not insert content above existing content. |
Measure field data in Google Search Console (the Core Web Vitals report) and the Chrome User Experience Report. Use Lighthouse for lab diagnostics. Page experience is part of SEO fundamentals.
Frequently asked questions
What are good Core Web Vitals scores?
LCP 2.5 seconds or less, INP 200 milliseconds or less, and CLS 0.1 or less, all at the 75th percentile of your real users. Hit all three and the page passes.
What replaced FID?
INP (Interaction to Next Paint) replaced FID (First Input Delay) as a Core Web Vital in March 2024. INP measures the delay across all interactions, not just the first, so it is stricter.
Do Core Web Vitals affect rankings?
Yes, as part of page experience, but they are a tie-breaker, not a primary factor. Relevant, helpful content still wins. Fix them to compete on close calls and to lift conversions.
Lab data or field data for Core Web Vitals?
Google judges field data (real users from the Chrome User Experience Report, 75th percentile). Lab tools like Lighthouse diagnose causes, they do not set the pass or fail verdict.
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