Canonical Tag Checker
Enter a URL to check whether a canonical tag is present and whether it points to the correct page.
Canonical tag best practices
- Every page should have a self-referencing canonical unless it intentionally defers to another URL.
- Canonical tags should use absolute URLs, not relative paths.
- Ensure the canonical URL itself returns a 200 - not a redirect.
- Do not use canonical tags as a substitute for proper 301 redirects.
- Paginated pages should each have their own canonical, not point to page 1.
What is a canonical tag?
A canonical tag is an HTML element placed in the <head> of a page that tells search engines which URL is the preferred version of that content. It is written as <link rel="canonical" href="https://example.com/page" />.
When the same content is accessible via multiple URLs, search engines face a choice about which version to index and rank. The canonical tag removes that ambiguity by explicitly pointing to the preferred URL. Without it, Google must guess, and it may choose the wrong version.
Resolve duplicate content
The same product or article can be accessible via dozens of URL variations due to tracking parameters, session IDs, or sorting filters. A canonical tag consolidates these into one preferred URL.
Consolidate link equity
When multiple URLs serve the same content, any backlinks pointing to the non-canonical versions dilute ranking signals. The canonical tag directs Google to count those signals towards the preferred URL.
Reduce crawl waste
Search engine crawlers visit canonical URLs with priority. Properly canonicalised sites waste less crawl budget on duplicate or near-duplicate pages, leaving more for the pages that matter.
Canonical issues to watch for
Canonical tags are a hint, not a directive. Google does not always follow them. These are the issues most likely to cause Google to override or ignore your canonical tags.
Canonical pointing to a redirect
If the URL in your canonical tag redirects elsewhere, Google may follow the redirect and treat the final destination as the canonical instead. Always point canonical tags at URLs that return a 200 status code.
Canonical conflicts with noindex
A page that has both a canonical pointing to itself and a noindex tag is sending contradictory signals. The noindex says do not index this page; the canonical says this is the preferred indexable version. Google tends to honour the noindex.
Missing canonical on paginated pages
Each page in a paginated series should have its own self-referencing canonical. Pointing all pagination to page 1 tells Google the other pages are duplicates, which prevents them from ranking for their specific content.
Relative URLs in canonical tags
Canonical tags should always use absolute URLs including the protocol and domain. Relative paths can be misinterpreted, especially on sites with complex URL structures or CDN configurations.
Audit canonical tags across your whole site
Crawly crawls your site and surfaces every canonical tag issue automatically, including missing canonicals, canonicals pointing to redirects, and conflicting signals. No page cap, no subscription required.
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