Rich Results Test

Rich Results Test is a free Google tool that checks whether a page’s structured data is eligible for rich results in Google Search. It shows which rich result types it detects, and flags errors or warnings that could stop them appearing.

Written by Paul Hoda, SEO consultant since 2005. Last updated 8 November 2026.

What it does

Rich results are enhanced search listings, such as review stars, product prices or breadcrumb trails. They depend on schema markup that follows Google’s guidelines. The Rich Results Test reads that markup and tells you which Google-supported rich results the page could show.

It supports all three structured data formats Google reads: JSON-LD, Microdata and RDFa. It also renders the page, so markup added with JavaScript is included.

How to use it

  1. Open the tool and choose URL or Code.
  2. For a live page, paste the URL. For markup still in development, paste the code snippet.
  3. Choose the smartphone or desktop crawler. Smartphone is the default and matches mobile-first indexing.
  4. Run the test and review the detected items.
  5. Click into each item to see its properties, errors and warnings.
  6. Use Preview result, where available, to see how the result might look.
  7. After fixing a live page, retest and then consider using the URL Inspection tool to request recrawling.

Errors vs warnings

  • Errors are problems with required properties. A rich result type with errors is not eligible to appear.
  • Warnings relate to recommended properties. The result can still be eligible, but adding the missing fields may give a fuller listing.

Rich Results Test vs Schema Markup Validator

The two tools have different jobs. The Rich Results Test only reports on rich result types Google supports. The Schema Markup Validator, which replaced Google’s older Structured Data Testing Tool, checks any schema.org markup against the vocabulary, whether or not Google uses it for search features. Use the Validator for general schema correctness and the Rich Results Test for Google eligibility.

What a pass does not guarantee

Passing the test means a page is eligible, not that Google will show a rich result. Google decides based on factors such as the query, the device, site quality and whether the markup reflects visible content. Some features have also been restricted: in 2023 Google removed HowTo rich results and limited FAQ schema rich results to authoritative government and health sites, so the tool may report fewer types than you expect.

Common mistakes

  • Marking up content that is not visible on the page, which goes against Google’s guidelines.
  • Ignoring errors because the page still validates in the Schema Markup Validator.
  • Testing one page and assuming the whole template is correct. Check a sample of pages, as missing fields such as prices or ratings often vary between pages.
  • Forgetting to monitor the enhancement reports in Search Console after launch.

Further reading: Google’s Rich Results Test.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rich Results Test checks whether structured data is eligible for Google rich results.
  • It supports JSON-LD, Microdata and RDFa, and renders JavaScript.
  • Errors make a result ineligible; warnings point to optional improvements.
  • Use the Schema Markup Validator for general schema.org checks.
  • Passing the test does not guarantee Google will show a rich result.

Related Terms

Browse more terms in the SEO Encyclopedia.