Glossary
What is average position in Search Console?
Average position in Google Search Console is the mean ranking of your topmost result across all impressions for a query or page. Position 1 is the top. Because it averages across searches, locations and devices, it's a trend indicator, not a fixed rank. Lower numbers are better.
How it's calculated
For each impression, Google records the position of your topmost link. Average position is the mean of those values. If a page shows at position 3 in one search and 7 in another, its average is 5. SERP features count as positions too.
Why it differs from rank trackers
Rank trackers check one location and device at a time. Search Console averages real searches everywhere, including long-tail variations you might not track. Neither is wrong.
Using it well
- Look at trends over weeks.
- Segment by query, page, country and device.
- Pair with impressions: an average of 8 with thousands of impressions is a better opportunity than an average of 3 with ten.
Example
A page's average position improves from 24 to 11 over two months after internal links are added, while impressions triple. Clicks lag but follow once it reaches page one.
FAQ
Is a lower average position better?
Yes. Position 1 is the top of the results.
Why does my average position drop when traffic grows?
New impressions at lower positions for new queries pull the average down.
Does position include ads?
No. Positions are for organic results and search features.
Why is my average position different in a rank tracker?
Trackers check one location and device; Search Console averages all real searches.
Sources
- Google Search Console Help: What are impressions, position and clicks
- Google Search Console Help: Performance report