What Are Core Web Vitals and Why They Matter

A plain-English explanation of Core Web Vitals (LCP, CLS, INP) and how they affect your Google rankings.

Core Web Vitals are Google's real-world measurements of user experience, and they're a ranking factor.

The three metrics

  • **LCP (Largest Contentful Paint)** — how fast the main content loads. Target < 2.5s.
  • **CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)** — how much the page jumps around. Target < 0.1.
  • **INP (Interaction to Next Paint)** — how responsive the page feels. Target < 200ms.

    • Why they matter

    Google uses field data from real Chrome users. Poor vitals can hold back your rankings and frustrate visitors.

    Check yours

    WPDoctor pulls your real Core Web Vitals from Google and shows what's failing.