HTML Heading Checker

HTML Heading Checker

Analyze webpage heading structure (H1-H6) for SEO and accessibility. Check heading hierarchy and identify issues.

Last updated: March 2026 | By Patchworkr Team

Note: Most websites block direct fetching due to CORS policy. If you get an error, use "Paste HTML" mode instead.

What is an HTML Heading Checker?

An HTML heading checker analyzes the heading structure (H1 through H6 tags) of a webpage to ensure proper hierarchy, SEO optimization, and accessibility compliance.

Headings create a document outline that helps search engines understand your content structure and assists screen reader users in navigating your page.

Best practice: Every page should have exactly one H1 tag (the main title), followed by H2 tags for major sections, H3 for subsections, and so on. Headings should not skip levels.

How it works

Analysis Process

  1. Parse the HTML document (from URL or pasted content)
  2. Extract all H1-H6 heading tags in document order
  3. Count occurrences of each heading level
  4. Identify SEO issues (missing H1, multiple H1s, skipped levels)
  5. Display headings in hierarchical structure

Heading Hierarchy Rules

H1 - Main page title (use once per page)
H2 - Major section headings
H3 - Subsections under H2
H4 - Sub-subsections under H3
H5 - Rarely needed
H6 - Rarely needed

Example: Good vs Bad Structure

Good Structure

H1: Website Title
H2: Introduction
H2: Features
H3: Feature A
H3: Feature B
H2: Conclusion

One H1, logical hierarchy, no skipped levels.

Bad Structure

H1: Website Title
H1: Another Title
H4: Skipped H2 and H3
H2: Back to H2
H2: Features

Multiple H1s, skipped levels, poor hierarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many H1 tags should a page have?

Exactly one. The H1 should be the main title of the page. Multiple H1s can confuse search engines.

Can I skip heading levels?

No. Don't jump from H2 to H4. Always maintain proper hierarchy (H1→H2→H3→H4).

Why does heading structure matter for SEO?

Search engines use headings to understand content hierarchy and relevance. Proper structure improves rankings.

What if URL mode doesn't work?

Most sites block cross-origin requests (CORS). Use 'Paste HTML' mode or a browser extension to get the page source.

Do headings affect accessibility?

Yes. Screen readers use headings for navigation. Proper structure helps users jump to sections.

Should headings be styled by their tag?

No. Heading tags are for structure, not styling. Use CSS to control appearance.

Can I use multiple H2 tags?

Yes! You can have multiple H2s for different major sections. Just keep one H1.

What's the difference between H5 and H6?

They're deeper nesting levels. Most sites rarely need beyond H3 or H4.

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