Why Perception Isn't Enough
Your website might feel fast to you — but real performance must be measured with data.
Users on mobile devices or slower networks may experience your site very differently.
Best Tools to Measure Website Speed
Use these tools:
- Google PageSpeed Insights
- GTmetrix
- WebPageTest
- Lighthouse
Each tool provides different insights into performance.
Key Metrics You Should Understand
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)
Measures how long it takes for the main content to load. Ideal: under 2.5 seconds.
First Input Delay (FID)
Measures interactivity speed.
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)
Measures visual stability.
Time to First Byte (TTFB)
Measures server response speed.
Mobile vs Desktop Results
Mobile performance is usually worse. Always prioritize mobile optimization.
What Is Considered “Slow”?
- Under 2 seconds → Excellent
- 2–3 seconds → Acceptable
- 3–5 seconds → Needs improvement
- Over 5 seconds → Problematic
What to Do Next
If your score is low:
- Optimize images
- Reduce JavaScript
- Improve hosting
- Enable caching
Measuring is the first step to improving.