Definition

CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift)

Updated Feb 9, 2026

Definition

CLS is a Core Web Vitals metric that measures how much visible page content shifts unexpectedly during loading.

Plain English

It scores how "jumpy" your page feels. Lower is better.

Why it matters

  • High CLS frustrates users who click the wrong thing.
  • It's one of three Core Web Vitals that affect search quality signals.
  • Common causes: images without dimensions, late-loading ads, web fonts.